Minnesota House of Representatives Session Weekly

SESSION WEEKLY A NONPARTISAN PUBLICATION MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES • PUBLIC INFORMATION SERVICES VOLUME 24, NUMBER 11 • MARCH 16, 2007

The state’s other governments Groceries with wine Exemptions for the ‘back 40’

HF1891- HF2164 SESSION WEEKLY

Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services. During the 2007-2008 Legislative Session, each issue reports House action between Thursdays of each week, lists bill introductions and provides other information. No fee. To subscribe, contact: Minnesota House of Representatives contents Public Information Services 175 State Office Building 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. HIGHLIGHTS St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 Agriculture • 5 Energy • 9 Humanities • 13 (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550 or the Minnesota Relay service at 711 or Business • 5 Environment • 10 Immigration • 13 (800) 627-3529 (TTY) Consumers • 5 Game & Fish • 10 Law • 13 www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp Crime • 6 Government • 11 Military • 14 Education • 6 Health & Human Services • 11 Notes • 16 Director Elections • 8 Higher Education • 12 Taxes • 15 Barry LaGrave Employment • 9 Housing • 13 Transportation • 15 Editor/Assistant Director Lee Ann Schutz Assistant Editor BILL INTRODUCTIONS (HF1891-HF2164) • 18 - 23 Mike Cook Art & Production Coordinator Paul Battaglia Writers FEATURES Nick Busse, Craig Green, First Reading: Non-elected, MAC and Met $900 million budget Stephen Harding, Sonja Hegman, Patty Ostberg, Mia Simpson draws concern • 3-4 Chief Photographer At Issue: Technology’s role could increase in elections • 17 Tom Olmscheid Minnesota Index: Not working for a livin’ • 24 Photographers Andrew VonBank, Sarah Stacke Staff Assistants Christy Novak, Joan Bosard

Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is published weekly during the legislative session by Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services, 175 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage paid at Minneapolis, Minn. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Session Weekly, House Public Information Services, 175 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298.

Printed on recycled paper which is 50% recycled, 30% post-consumer content.

On the cover: The Minnesota State Capitol dome from inside the rotunda.

­—Photo by: Andrew VonBank FIRST READING

MAC and Met — the state’s other governments Little legislative oversight over combined $900 million budget draws concern

photo by andrew vonbank The mission of the Metropolitan Airports Commission is to “provide and promote safe, convenient, environmentally sound and cost competitive aviation services for our customers”

By Craig Green and Transit Policy Subcommittee referred the hen large appropriation bills are before the Legislature, bill without recommendation to the House Transportation Finance Division. they go through several committee hearings followed by A companion bill, SF580, sponsored by Sen. debate on the House and Senate floor. If the bill passes, Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), awaits action by the Senate Transportation Committee. there is the threat of a gubernatorial veto. Specifically referring to the recent MAC W When projects are presented to the Metropolitan Airports Commission lease negotiations that are expected to save Northwest Airlines more than $239 million, and the Metropolitan Council, elected officials do not have a say. The Hornstein believes that the bill would provide two bodies, whose members are not elected, are free to make their own a public forum to discuss issues involving large sums of taxpayer money. “It guarantees policy and budget decisions. They have combined budgets of more than that our constituents, through the legislative $900 million, and $2.8 billion in outstanding debt. process, have an opportunity to publicly discuss and examine an agreement that has far-reaching implications for the future of aviation in the state,” Hornstein said. This policy autonomy and financial power operates, however, are nothing new. Negotiations between airports and airline has some legislators thinking it’s time for a Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn carriers is part of the normal business of change. Center), chair of the House Local Government running an airport, and for the Legislature to and Metropolitan Affairs Committee, said get involved in day-to-day management would recent attention to the MAC is not unusual. Control issues not help, said MAC Executive Director Jeffrey “Whenever there are big events, like the The MAC was created by state law in 1943 Hamiel. Coming to an agreement with the Northwest contract or the noise lawsuits to coordinate aviation services throughout the airlines, like the recent airline negotiations, against the MAC, concerns about governance Twin Cities metropolitan area. Today, with a is what the MAC has been commissioned by come up,” Hilstrom said. budget of approximately $243 million, it is the the Legislature to do. third-largest aviation system in the country, During the last biennium, a bill was owning and operating the Minneapolis-St. proposed to require the commission to submit Paul International Airport and six reliever all budgets for approval, while another bill Council membership Established by statute in 1967, the airports. would have abolished the MAC altogether. Metropolitan Council’s mission is to The commission has 15 members: 13 are One of four House bills introduced as of coordinate the planning and development of appointed by the governor – eight members March 13 dealing with the commission is the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan from the metro area; four from Greater HF673, sponsored by Rep. Frank Hornstein area. With a current budget of $665 million Minnesota; and a chair. The additional two (DFL-Mpls). and broad taxing authority, the council seats are for the mayors of Minneapolis and Approved by the committee March 7, the bill implements and manages programs in St. Paul or their designee. would prohibit the commission from entering regional planning, transportation, wastewater With recent high profile issues in the into any agreement that results in reduction of treatment and a regional park system. media, the MAC has come under more a carrier’s costs by more $100 million, unless scrutiny, and the call for change has become the agreement is approved by the Legislature. louder. Attempts to change the way the MAC One week later, the House Transportation First Reading continued on page 4

March 16, 2007 Session Weekly  First Reading continued from page 3

With all 16 council members and the chair appointed by the governor, calls for changes to the selection process began almost immediately. Two years after it was created, a bill was introduced calling for council members to be elected. In 1977, a Senate task force was created to investigate whether there was a need for the council, and if not, how to proceed. Though the committee recommended 4-2 for elections, and though many bills have since been introduced in the House and the Senate, the governor appointments continue. As of March 13, 10 bills have been introduced photo by andrew vonbank this year that would directly affect the council. More than 35 million passengers travelled through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in Under HF312, also sponsored by Hornstein, the 2006. There were 475,656 landings and takeoffs there last year. 16 council members would be elected to four- year terms (the chair would be elected from The bill was approved by the House Local However, Hilstrom said, there also is a among these members), and council districts Government and Metropolitan Affairs consensus among committee members that would be redrawn after each federal census. Committee March 5, and awaits action by the changes need to be made. What those changes Former state legislator Myron Orfield (DFL- House Governmental Operations, Reform, are, that still has to be worked out. Mpls) said that the council is a body with Technology and Elections Committee. A In a recent discussion about a bill that unprecedented power in need of legislative similar bill, sponsored by Orfield, passed would expand the membership of the MAC, oversight. As the third largest local government during the 1997 session but was vetoed by Rep. Larry Howes (R-Walker) offered a unique in the state, it needs to be held responsible for Gov. Arne Carlson. take. What if the MAC goes away, and the its actions, Orfield said. A companion bill, SF81, sponsored by Sen. Metropolitan Council oversees the airport Peter Bell, chairman of the council, said Chuck Wiger (DFL-North St. Paul), awaits and all the metropolitan issues? “Maybe we it has “broader and deeper support than action on the Senate floor. put it all together,” he said. it ever has.” Citing many of the council’s Not much was said about Howes’ accomplishments, Bell argued that elections The next steps suggestion. But Rep. Ann Lenczewski (DFL- would lead to a less diverse council, disruptions Witnesses testified before the House Local Bloomington), who lives less than 10 miles in ongoing projects and political concerns Government and Metropolitan Affairs from Minneapolis-St. Paul International would begin to outweigh the council’s Committee that both entities are well- Airport, nodded in agreement. regional focus. managed and effective.

Constitutional Officers Governor Attorney General Secretary of State TIM PAWLENTY (R) Lori Swanson (DFL) MARK RITCHIE (DFL) Room 130 State Capitol Executive Offices Election Center 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Room 102 State Capitol Room 180 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (651) 296-3391 St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 215-1440 (800) 658-3717 (651) 296-6196 (877) 600-8683 Fax: (651) 296-2089 (800) 657-3787 Business Services Web site: www.governor.state.mn.us Web site: www.ag.state.mn.us Suite 100 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] 60 Empire Drive Consumer Division St. Paul, MN 55103 Lieutenant Governor 1400 Bremer Tower (651) 296-2803 CAROL MOLNAU (R) 445 Minnesota St. (877) 551-6767 Room 130 State Capitol St. Paul, MN 55101 Web site: www.sos.state.mn.us St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 296-3353 E-mail: [email protected] (651) 296-3391 (800) 657-3787 Fax: (651) 296-3587 TTY (651) 297-7206 State Auditor E-mail: [email protected] TTY (800) 366-4812 REBECCA OTTO (DFL) 525 Park St. Suite 500 St. Paul, MN 55103 (651) 296-2551 TTY (800) 627-3529 Web site: www.osa.state.mn.us E-mail: [email protected]

 Session Weekly March 16, 2007 HIGHLIGHTS m a r c h 8 - 15, 2007

Editor’s note: The following Highlights are Business Consumers coverage of select bills heard in House commit- tees held March 8-15 and other House activity. To track the progress of a bill, go to www.leg. Keeping the Ford plant intact Wine in grocery stores mn and click on Bill Search, Status and MyBills. For more than 80 years, the Ford Motor Those looking for a little more convenience Designations used in Highlight summaries: Company manufactured vehicles along the at the grocery store could find relief. HF-House File; SF-Senate File; CH-Chapter; and bluffs of the Mississippi River in St. Paul. Sponsored by Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL- *- bill the governor signed or vetoed. However, the plant is to be idled in 2008. Mpls), HF997 would allow cities, counties Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul) wants and towns to issue off-sale wine licenses to to ensure that another company could readily supermarkets with at least 8,000 square feet AGRICULTURE move into the facility. of space. He is sponsoring HF826, which would Stores would be required to conduct an require an owner or operator of a motor employee and supervisor training program Organic certification assistance vehicle assembly plant that discontinues regarding state laws regulating wine off-sales The state’s growing number of organic operations to keep the plant and facilities in and sales practices, and establish an annual farmers could get help in paying for annual “saleable operating condition” while the state theft prevention plan. Also, wine sold could organic certification costs, under a bill and other interested public bodies seek a new not contain more than 15.5 percent alcohol. sponsored by Rep. Al Doty (DFL-Royalton). owner or operator. The bill was held over March 13 by the All producers and processors who annually Approved March 12 by the House Higher House Commerce and Labor Committee for sell more than $5,000 in organic products Education and Work Force Development possible inclusion in an omnibus liquor bill. must pay, on average, $900 each year to Policy and Finance Division, the bill is headed Mary Kowalski, a grocery store owner, be certified by an accredited certification to the House floor. A companion bill, SF607, said that selling wine at grocery stores would agency. sponsored by Sen. Richard Cohen (DFL-St. be a convenience for her clientele. “First HF846 would appropriate $275,000 in fiscal Paul), awaits action by the Senate Business, and foremost customers want it, second years 2008 and 2009 for the Department of Industry and Jobs Committee. is we’re trying to stay in business and stay Agriculture to appropriate grants up to $500 “While the company and City of St. Paul competitive,” she said. annually to eligible farmers, sellers, processors have admirably moved forward to plan for Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Eden Prairie) said and packagers of organic products to help pay a new future, many workers are concerned consumers want this and are “looking for that for the certification. that a dismantling of the plant and selling convenience and better price.” “I see this not as a production subsidy off of key assets, most notably the energy According to a March 2006 legislative but really providing some regulatory relief,” generating power plant, may remove some of auditor’s report, Minnesotans pay 5 percent said Jim Riddle, a member of the Minnesota the options from the table and limit future to 7 percent higher wine prices compared Organic Advisory Task Force. He said that manufacturing possibilities,” Mariani said. to Wisconsin. The report also noted that in 1998, Minnesota initiated the first cost- “The current plant employs workers at very Minnesotans could save about $100 million share program in the nation. The program is decent wage levels that I think we should try annually if less restrictive laws were in place. currently funded at $50,000 a year. “It is very to perpetuate if at all possible.” Opponents voiced concern about municipal modest, only providing up to $200 per farm According to an April 2006 company and smaller locally owned liquor stores losing per year,” Riddle said. release, “The Twin Cities plant, which also sales if grocery stores were permitted to sell Meg Moynihan, organic and diversification opened in 1925, employs 1,750 hourly and 135 wine. The report noted that if laws were made specialist for the department, said there salaried workers.” less restrictive, municipal stores have the are slightly more than 500 farmers who Bob Killeen, financial secretary of United potential of losing $16 million annually. are certified organic in the state. She said Auto Workers Local 879, said the goal is to Also, the opportunity for a wide selection of the current law only applies to farmers. By keep the plant there, with its power plant wines would decrease because grocery stores expanding who would be eligible for the intact, to have some sort of industrial site in would sell the most purchased brands rather grants, she would expect more applications. the city. than those of small wineries, said Sam Kaplan, The measure was held over by the House “The power would be green power generated representing the Minnesota Wine and Spirits Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans by a facility on the river, with four completely Wholesale Association. Affairs Finance Division March 13 for possible refurbished generators,” he said. “We think Current law allows grocery owners to omnibus bill inclusion. this would be a state-of-the-art facility.” open liquor stores next to a store if a separate A companion bill, SF1039, sponsored by However, city officials said they should not entrance is provided. Those stores pay an off- Sen. Tony Lourey (DFL-Kerrick), was held be stopped from site planning. sale licensing fee. over March 6 by the Senate Agriculture and “We didn’t want to see the plant close, but A companion bill, SF889, sponsored by Veterans Budget and Policy Division for our community needs to plan for the future,” Sen. Linda Scheid (DFL-Brooklyn Park), possible omnibus bill inclusion. said St. Paul City Councilman Pat Harris. “We awaits action by the Senate Commerce and — L. Schutz want to move forward to bring good-paying Consumer Protection Committee.

jobs into our community.” — P. Ostberg

— M. Cook

March 16, 2007 Session Weekly  Wireless protection for consumers would have prohibited the selling of novelties would like to see e-mail and instant message Consumers would have more assurance or other items depicting the flag. screen names added to that list. they are getting what they think they are Rep. Mark Olson (R-Big Lake) said the He sponsors HF1043, an attempt to work paying for when it comes to cell phone change is not a matter that can be addressed with some tools other states use to monitor contracts, under a bill approved March 8 by at the state or federal level. In a consumer- Internet activity. the House Telecommunications Regulation driven society, with open world markets that Last year, Virginia Attorney General Robert and Infrastructure Division. offer cheaper products, it’s the consumers who McDonnell proposed that Virginia work with Sponsored by Rep. Sandra Masin (DFL- choose to purchase those, he said. MySpace.com to track offenders by their Eagan), HF635, known as the Minnesota Rukavina responded, “I hope that this idea e-mail and instant messaging address, with Wireless Telephone Consumer Protection Act, gets spread across this country and people start enforceable penalties for noncompliance. would require wireless carriers to: to look at what they’re buying in the store.” Serving as a possible precursor to Minnesota • provide an accurate area coverage map Rep. Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake) doing something similar, the bill would give including areas where roaming or addi- questioned what the penalties would be local authorities a novel and useful tool to tional charges would apply; for those who sell a flag made in another track these offenders online, Simon said. • disclose the price of the service, monthly country. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano), who access fees, base charges, the amount Rukavina said the intent of the bill is directed commended Simon on the bill, offered an of any activation or initiation fee, and at stores and Internet sales. “But to say that amendment that would require all registered charges for roaming, long distance calls, anyone is going to be arrested” for selling a flag sex offenders to purchase and display “sexual exceeding minutes or usage in any allow- at a garage sale is absurd, he said. predator” license plates. On a roll call vote, it ance collected and retained by the carrier, Several attempted amendments were fell one vote short of approval. and disclose a good faith estimate of the ruled out of order, including one sponsored Approved by the House Public Safety and amount of government-mandated charges by Westrom, that would have restricted all Civil Justice Committee March 13, the bill and taxes; legislators voting in favor of the measure from next goes to the House Finance Committee. • disclose in at least 12-point font that the price driving or owning vehicles not manufactured A companion bill, SF925, sponsored by Sen. may change if allowed in the contract provi- in the United States. Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park), awaits action

sion, and any early termination fee; and — P. Ostberg by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

• provide, in writing, the terms of the contract — C. Green prior to the execution of the contract. Crime Jessica Palmer-Denig, manager of the Education Residential and Small Business Utilities Division of the attorney general’s office, said Tracking predators online the bill would offer basic consumer protection. Predatory offenders are required by law to Free neighborhood busing The office, in some years, has “received more provide several pieces of information to local St. Paul children could be linked to libraries, complaints about the wireless industry than law enforcement, including primary address, parks and recreational centers after school and it did about all other telecommunications and places of employment, automobile description on Saturdays with free busing provided by the energy utilities combined,” she said. and license plate number. city. K. Dane Snowden, vice president of external Rep. Steve Simon (DFL-St. Louis Park) “Children without adult supervision are at and state affairs for CTIA-The Wireless Association, said the bill is unnecessarily burdensome and offers “no flexibility” for the highly competitive market. The bill now goes to the House Labor and Consumer Protection Division. A companion bill, SF833, sponsored by Sen. Mary Olson (DFL-Bemidji), awaits action by the Senate Energy, Utilities, Technology and Communications Committee.

— P. Ostberg

Made in the USA House approval was given to a bill that would ensure a symbol of our country is made in America. Sponsored by Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL- Virginia), HF122, would prohibit the sale of the American flag unless manufactured in the United States. It was passed 83-46 March 15. The bill now goes to the Senate, where Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm) is the sponsor. photo by tom olmscheid “If anything should be made in the United Antwane Lewis, right, and her sister, Serene, peek out the window of a brightly painted circulator States, it should be the American flag,” bus outside the hearing room where a bill to appropriate money for St. Paul neighborhood circula- Rukavina said. He removed language that tor buses was being heard. The girls, who live on the east side of St. Paul, ride a circulator bus to the Adam Spanish Emersion School on the city’s west side.

 Session Weekly March 16, 2007 greater risk of truancy, stress, poor grades, with licensed full-day child care programs; Extended kindergarten risk-taking behavior and substance abuse,” and Minnesota families could opt to have their said St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. • if a district charges fees for pre-kindergarten kindergartners spend eight weeks of summer Sponsored by Rep. John Lesch (DFL-St. or full-day kindergarten, it would have vacation in school instead of staying home. Paul), HF1275 would provide $700,000 in to establish a reasonable sliding-fee scale Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Mpls) sponsors fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to expand the or waive the fee if the parent is unable to HF1426, which would establish a program Neighborhood Circulator bus system. The pay for it. for extended-year kindergarten. The House House Early Childhood Learning Finance A companion bill, SF1246, sponsored by Disparities in Student Support and Service Division laid the bill over March 13 for Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL-North St. Paul), was Subcommittee approved the bill March 12 possible inclusion in its omnibus bill. referred to the Senate Finance Committee and referred it to the House K-12 Finance One bus now operates on the West Side of St. March 14. Division.

Paul. With the extra funding, buses would be — S. Harding The program would start four weeks able to service 10 additional neighborhoods. prior to the regular start of school and end According to the bill, the Neighborhood Language preservation four weeks after the regular school year is Circulators seek to strengthen the In Minnesota’s four Dakota communities, complete. neighborhood as a place for children’s learning there are fewer than 20 fluent speakers of the The program’s goal is to ensure that every and development, promote the development native tongue. Out of the 40,000 enrolled child has the opportunity before first grade and education of children, reduce truancy and Ojibwe, there are only 300 fully fluent to develop the skills and abilities necessary to improve the visibility of the neighborhood speakers of the language. read and succeed in school, according to the network of youth programs. A bill would attempt to bring these two bill. The lack of transportation to community languages back from the brink of extinction. Aid for the extended year kindergarten programs is a problem. This bill gets the Sponsored by Rep. David Bly (DFL- would equal $600 multiplied by the number children to the programs that will help with Northfield), HF779 would establish the of students attending the program. their learning, Coleman said. Council on Indigenous Languages to promote “For $5 million we could cover 8,000 A companion bill, SF1182, sponsored by activities and programs that are specific incoming kindergartens. That’s roughly 15 Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL-St. Paul), awaits to promoting and revitalizing indigenous percent of incoming kindergarten students action by the Senate Finance Division. language for American Indian children and to public schools,” Davnie said. — S. Harding adults. If there is limited space in the program, The House E-12 Education Committee students from low-income families would be Education changes approved the bill March 9 and referred it to the given priority. The Department of Education gave House Governmental Operations, Reform, A companion bill, SF1668, sponsored by an overview of a bill that would make Technology and Elections Committee. Sen. Patricia Torres Ray (DFL-Mpls), awaits administrative and technical changes to the Under the bill, the council would be action by the Senate Finance Committee. education code. comprised of one member from each of the — S. Harding Sponsored by Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL- 11 tribes in Minnesota and 10 members St. Paul), HF1197 was approved March 9 selected by the state Dakota/Ojibwe Language ‘Responsible‘ sex education by the House E-12 Education Committee Revitalization Alliance who have expertise in Minnesota’s middle and high school and referred to the House K-12 Finance indigenous languages. students could be attending “responsible” Division. If the council is established and funding is family life and sexuality education programs Some of the proposed changes to the appropriated, a pre K-12 program applicant in the future. code, which defines state education policy, would be given due consideration for funding, Sponsored by Rep. Neva Walker (DFL- include: said John Poupart, president of the American Mpls), HF615 would allow school districts • charter schools would be required to trans- Indian Policy Center. to establish curriculum for the program, and mit records to a transfer student’s new Funding requests are unspecified in the appropriate $430,000 in fiscal years 2008 and school district, charter school, or non- bill. 2009 for training educators and to operate up public school; Supporters say that other native language to eight regional training sites. • school districts would have to adopt policies immersion programs around the world have The House E-12 Education Committee and procedures for the academic accelera- succeeded in raising test scores in native approved the bill March 13 and referred it to tion of gifted and talented students; populations. the House Finance Committee. • “highly qualified teacher” would be defined For example, the Maori Language The bill states that if school districts as someone having a Minnesota license, Immersion experience in New Zealand choose to, they may offer the program for a bachelor’s degree, and who has demon- increased the pass rate from 15 percent in the K-6 students, but must offer the program for strated teacher competency in each core education system to a 75 percent pass rate with students in grades 7-12. School districts may academic subject area that they teach; a higher percentage of students continuing independently establish policies, procedures • the department would provide special- on to higher education, according to Jennifer and curriculum for the program that is age- ized services to the “blind and physically Bendickson, bookkeeper and artist for the appropriate and medically accurate for all handicapped”; Alliance of Early Childhood Professionals. grades. • the phase-in of full-day services licensed A companion bill, SF586, sponsored by The courses would emphasize an abstinence- child care centers or family care homes Sen. Patricia Torres Ray (DFL-Mpls), was first approach to delaying sexual activity, would be required. By 2013 a minimum scheduled to be heard March 15 by the Senate while also including education about the use of 50 percent of state-funded enrollment E-12 Education Budget Division. of protection and contraception.

must be provided through agreements — S. Harding Students would learn to respect community

March 16, 2007 Session Weekly  values, encourage family communication, resided in the United States but are eligible A companion bill, SF1218, sponsored by promote individual responsibility and voters to be sent ballots electronically, and Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes (DFL-Winona), contribute to healthy relationships. upon completion be returned by mail to their awaits action by the Senate State and Local An amendment successfully offered by Rep. county auditor. Government Operations and Oversight Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake) would allow The bill would help assure those overseas Committee. parents the choice of signing up their children who claim Minnesota residency that their — P. Ostberg for the program. The school district would absentee vote would be counted in general have to make reasonable arrangements with elections, and would remove “barriers for Automatic voter registration school personnel for alternative instruction active-duty members,” Kalin said. Permission to drive could also give the go- for those that don’t participate. Another intention of the bill is to help ahead to vote. “The more we can empower parents the voting-age children who have never resided in Sponsored by Rep. Steve Simon (DFL-St. better our schools are going to be,” he said. this country, such as those of missionaries, to Louis Park), HF1546 would require that any Parents and guardians would be able to participate in the voting process, Kalin said. eligible voter applying for a new or renewed excuse their children from all or part of the Because of the short time span between a Minnesota driver’s license, instruction permit program. primary and the general election, it is hard or identification card be registered to vote A companion bill, SF588, sponsored by Sen. to mail a ballot and have it returned in time unless the applicant declines. Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), awaits action by to be counted in elections, said Secretary of Approved March 14 by the House the Senate Finance Committee. State Mark Ritchie. By allowing for electronic Governmental Operations, Reform, — S. Harding mailing of ballots, it would virtually cut that Technology and Elections Committee, time in half. the bill now goes to the House Finance Recovering student transfers Under the bill, the secretary of state would Committee. Students that are in recovery-focused high be able to facilitate special absentee voting Working with various state agencies the schools could be allowed to participate in procedures if a national or local emergency Office of the Secretary of State would receive Minnesota State High School League-sponsored or other situation arises. the information electronically from the activities in their resident school district. According to the Department of Defense, Department of Public Safety and then verify Sponsored by Rep. Mary Liz Holberg “there are 12,147 uniformed service members, the age, citizenship and if there are any prior (R-Lakeville), and Sen. Terri Bonoff (DFL- 9,110 family members and approximately felonies to assure voter eligibility. Minnetonka), HF1425/SF1499* was approved 64,360 overseas citizens that claim Minnesota The public safety commissioner would be 128-6 by the House March 15. Approved 64-0 as their voting residence.” required to reformat the applications allowing by the Senate March 14, it now goes to the Rep. Sarah Anderson (R-Plymouth) said for for a check-off box so a person could decline governor. those who have never resided in the country, voter registration. Driver’s license applications The bill would allow students who have perhaps the bill “shouldn’t necessarily apply currently have a box where a person can check successfully completed a licensed treatment to them.” to register to vote. program to immediately participate in league The bill now goes to the House floor. The bill also seeks to automatically change activities in their home district even though they may be attending a recovery-focused school in another district. Local school districts could still enforce penalties on those students for violating a league or district rule. This bill keeps students active in their sport, and they can go to a special school to help their problem, Rep. Larry Howes (R-Walker) said. Rep. Tim Mahoney (DFL-St. Paul) said when a student in recovery goes back to their old haunts, success for them is zero. “It’s one more pressure on parents.”

— S. Harding

Elections

Electronic overseas absentee voting Men and women serving in the military overseas would have a better chance of having their absentee vote counted, under a bill approved March 13 by the House Governmental Operations, Reform, photo by andrew vonbank Technology and Elections Committee. Ramsey County Elections Manager Joe Mansky, right, displays a Minnesota driver’s license iden- Sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Kalin (DFL- tification card application March 14 to the House Governmental Operations, Reform, Technology Lindstrom), HF1259 would allow active-duty and Elections Committee during testimony in support of a bill that would provide automatic voter registration to driver’s license and identification card applicants. Rep. Steve Simon,center , the bill’s military personnel and people who have never sponsor, and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, left, also spoke.

 Session Weekly March 16, 2007 the registration for people that move. Employment The House K-12 Finance Division laid the The secretary’s office would be required to bill over March 13 for possible inclusion in its obtain a list of current addresses from the U.S. omnibus bill. Postal Service of those individuals who have Training hard-to-serve residents The bill also states that if a school is open moved. If registered in the statewide voter Gregory Ives is a nine-time convicted felon on Veterans Day, instruction must be given for registration system, the voter’s change-of- who has spent seven years in the Department at least 30 minutes or one class period on the address would be sent to their county auditor. of Corrections system. significance of the service that is provided by If the move is out-of-state, the county auditor He is now four weeks away from completing veterans to the nation. would send a notice letting the voter know a 20-week construction program at Summit Heidgerken said that if there is school their registration will be deleted unless the Academy OIC in Minneapolis. on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the school county auditor is notified within 21 days. “Before Summit I had nothing but dead-end requires students to learn about him, “This Secretary of State Mark Ritchie said the jobs, I was a welfare recipient, and I just was bill does the same thing for veterans.” change could save the state and counties up on a spiral downward going to nowhere,” Ives The bill also encourages private employers to $1 million each election cycle in mailing said. “The impact this has had on my life is in Minnesota to honor veterans by giving fees and data entry staff time. It would also I’m just proud, my family is proud of me, I’m them a paid day off on Veterans Day. reduce the number of poll workers needed on not the black sheep of the family. I’m not Greg A companion bill, SF350, sponsored by Election Day. the Felon; I’m Greg the Carpenter, Greg the Sen. Dan Sparks (DFL-Austin), awaits action Rep. Laura Brod (R-New Prague) said the Guy That’s Going Somewhere.” by the Senate Agriculture and Veterans office seems to be moving toward a less secure Opportunities industrialization centers Committee.

Internet-based system, rather than a paper have served Minnesota’s hardest to employee — S. Harding trail, which is currently required. populations since 1967 by teaching life-skills A companion bill, SF1297, sponsored development and job training in a number Energy by Sen. Dan Larson (DFL-Bloomington), of areas, said Rep. Linda Slocum (DFL- was laid over March 12 by the Senate State Richfield). Government Budget Division for possible She is sponsoring HF1655 that would Hydrogen power omnibus bill inclusion. appropriate $4.15 million in the upcoming A House division laid over a bill March 9

— P. Ostberg biennium to help fund the centers, whose that would create a road map for Minnesota to client base is 75 percent minority and whom develop hydrogen power as a renewable energy approximately 50 percent receive welfare. source, and would appropriate $10 million for Transferring HAVA funds It was held over March 14 by the a competitive grant program. The Office of the Secretary House Higher Education and Work Force HF1392, sponsored by Rep. Bill Hilty Signed of St at e c a n re a l lo c at e Development Policy and Finance Division for (DFL-Finlayson), was held over for possible by Help America Vote Act possible omnibus bill inclusion. inclusion in the House Energy Finance and the appropriations, under a new William Means, executive director of the Policy Division’s omnibus bill. A companion, governor law signed March 14 by Gov. Minnesota OIC State Council, said there five SF1282, sponsored by Sen. Ellen Anderson Tim Pawlenty. programs — Bemidji, Mille Lacs and three in (DFL-St. Paul), was scheduled to be heard Sponsored by Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson) the urban area — that received $2.9 million March 13 by the Senate Environment, Energy and Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls), the law in this biennium from the Department of and Natural Resources Budget Division. will allow unused appropriations designated Employment and Economic Development. The bill would direct the Department of for specific HAVA purposes to be transferred “For every dollar that they receive there is a Commerce to develop “a vision, goals, general to other HAVA purposes. $4 minimum overall return on the investment timeline, and measurable milestones” for For example, $120,000 that was designated by educating their clients, assisting them in ramping up hydrogen power initiatives in the to process complaints received by the office finding a career and instilling confidence and state. It would also appropriate $10 million in that went unused. The law allows for the the skills needed to be a productive member grant money that could be used for a variety of funds to be transferred for the purpose of of the community,” Slocum said. projects, including the construction of fueling maintaining the statewide voter registration “We believe the best social service program stations for hydrogen-powered vehicles. system and to develop the capacity to handle in the world is a job,” said Leroy West, chief Rolf Nordstrom, Upper Midwest Hydrogen registration and election transactions at the administrative office at the Summit Academy Initiative program director for the Great polling place. OIC. Plains Institute, said that hydrogen power In order to move funds, the office must A companion bill, SF1473, sponsored by represents not only a clean and renewable provide “written notice to the commissioner Sen. Mary Olson (DFL-Bemidji), was laid source of energy, but also a potentially of finance and the chairs and ranking minority over March 12 by the Senate Economic lucrative industry for the state as well. members of the legislative committees and Development Budget Division for possible “Without a clear public commitment, divisions with jurisdiction over the budget of omnibus bill inclusion. and a vision for how hydrogen fuel cells fit the secretary of state.” in Minnesota’s overall energy system, other The law is effective March 15, 2007. — M. Cook states are going to reap the rewards instead HF160*/SF103/CH5 A little honor for veterans and have these industries emerge in their — P. Ostberg Public school staff members who are states,” Nordstrom said. veterans would be able to take Veterans Day Bob Olson, chairman and owner of St. To find out who represents you at the Capitol . . . off with pay as one of their personal days, Stephen State Bank in St. Cloud, said the United Call House Public Information under a bill (HF521) sponsored by Rep. Bud States is “10 or 15 years behind other parts of Services at (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550 Heidgerken (R-Freeport). the world” in regard to developing hydrogen

March 16, 2007 Session Weekly  fuel technology. He recommended spending Combating tree pests haven’t been able to manage it,” she said. much more than the $10 million allocated in A House committee approved a bill March Loeffler cited Dutch Elm Disease and the bill, and said private investments would 12 that would establish a forest protection Oak Wilt Disease as other examples of tree likely follow suit. plan to prevent, detect and respond to the pests that would be covered by the bill’s

— N. Busse threat of invasive tree pests such as emerald provisions. ash borer. Executive Director Dave Zumeta said the Environment HF1183, sponsored by Rep. Diane council is neutral on the bill. He cited a lack Loeff ler (DFL-Mpls), was approved by of funding in Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s budget the House Environment and Natural proposal and potential increases in the More oversight for BWSR Resources Committee and sent to the council’s workload as its main concerns. A House committee approved a bill March House Governmental Operations, Reform, Rep. Denny McNamara (R-Hastings) 13 that would increase oversight of local Technology and Elections Committee. encouraged funding of the task force, arguing water management entities by the Board of The bill would direct the Minnesota Forest that emerald ash borer is a serious threat and it Water and Soil Resources. Resources Council to collaborate with state would be smarter for the state to invest money HF1930, sponsored by Rep. Rick Hansen agencies to create a task force that would sooner rather than later to combat it. (DFL-South St. Paul), was approved by the be responsible for developing the plan. It A companion bill, SF1343, sponsored by House Environment and Natural Resources would also clarify the respective roles of Sen. Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato), awaits Committee and sent to the House Local the Agriculture and Natural Resources action by the Senate Agriculture and Veterans Government and Metropolitan Affairs departments in dealing with tree pests. Committee.

Committee. Loeffler said that emerald ash borer, an — N. Busse Hansen said the bill was drafted in response exotic beetle that was discovered in Michigan to an evaluation report on the state’s watershed in 2002 and has since ravaged that state’s Game & Fish management system, released in January by tree population, is threatening to spread the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Among into Minnesota. She said that if the species other things, the report states that the board’s establishes itself in the state, dealing with it Let’s Go Fishing oversight of local water management entities could be extremely costly. A program that helps enrich the lives of has been “inadequate.” “Michigan has already spent over $350 senior citizens and people with disabilities The bill aims to improve “accountability million in federal, state and local dollars by taking them out for fishing and boating and oversight” of watershed management by dealing with [emerald ash borer], and they excursions could get a funding boost from directing the board to: the state. • establish performance and operational HF944, sponsored by Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL- standards for local water management On target Willmar), would appropriate $350,000 from entities; the General Fund in each of the next two • evaluate the performance, finances and other fiscal years to the Department of Natural activities of such entities no less than once Resources for grants to Let’s Go Fishing. The every five years; House Environment and Natural Resources • post summaries of local water management Finance Division laid the bill over March 13 performance on the board Web site; for possible omnibus inclusion. • report watershed management performance Founded in 2002, Let’s Go Fishing schedules to the Legislature on a biennial basis; weekly three- to four-hour fishing trips and for individuals age 55 or older during the • reduce, withhold or redirect grants and other summer, spring and fall. There is no cost funding from water management entities to participants other than a current fishing that fail to correct performance deficien- license. Juhnke said the new funds would be cies within one year from being notified used to expand the program by opening new by the board. local chapters and establishing four regional The bill would also appropriate $751,000 offices with coordinators. over the next two fiscal years to evaluate and Joe Holm, founder and director of Let’s report on activities of local entities. Go Fishing, said the program provides an One key finding of the report is not opportunity for people who aren’t able to spend addressed in Hansen’s bill: a recommendation time in the outdoors by themselves to have fun, that the board’s executive director be directly build friendships and create memories. appointed by the governor and confirmed by “The one thing every one of these the Senate. communities have said is that they’ve heard A companion bill, SF1782, sponsored by a common theme of people saying, ‘Thank Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL-St. Paul), awaits you. I didn’t think anybody cared. Not only action by the Senate Environment and Natural has this made my whole day, this has made Resources Committee. photo by andrew vonbank my whole year,’” Holm said. Representing the Minnesota Association of Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls), — N. Busse Crossbow Hunters, Daniel Hendricks testifies before the House Game, Fish and Forestry Di- division chairwoman, questioned why the If you have Internet access, visit the Legislature’s vision March 12 in support of a bill that would appropriation was coming from the General Web page at: www.leg.mn legalize crossbow hunting. Fund instead of the game and fish fund,

10 Session Weekly March 16, 2007 to which Juhnke replied that the DNR had Government $300,000 for AIDS prevention work in requested it. Minnesota’s African-born communities. A companion bill, SF1029, sponsored by Approved by the division, the bill, which has Sen. Tom Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids), Consistent price of government no Senate companion, was sent to the House awaits action by the Senate Finance Since the state began tracking the price of Finance Committee. Committee. government, the share of personal income According to Dollina Odera, a consultant

— N. Busse collected in taxes and other revenue generators for the Minnesota AIDS Project, African for state and local government is about 16 immigrants represent only 1 percent of the Hunting, fishing changes cents on the dollar. And in the upcoming population, but they comprise 16 percent Bag limits for pheasant hunters, the use biennium, it may not be any different. of new HIV cases in the state. She said of smokeless gunpowder for muzzle-loading A nonbinding concurrent resolution (HCR2), the challenge in preventing the spread of firearms, and nonresident hunting fees are sponsored by Rep. Loren Solberg (DFL-Grand the disease has been overcoming issues just a few of the topics covered in the 2007 Rapids), lays out the projected price of persistent in their native countries: stigmas omnibus game and fish bill, approved March government for the 2008-09 biennium. about sex and the virus and social inequities, 12 by the House Game, Fish and Forestry By law, the Legislature must consider a particularly between men and women. Division. resolution laying out the price-of-government “We need to address the fears and HF1116, sponsored by Rep. David Dill target for the biennium 15 days after the release misconceptions of HIV and AIDS,” she said. (DFL-Crane Lake), now goes to the House of the February Economic Forecast, which “And we have to draw members from the Government Operations, Reform, Technology was Feb. 28. Information from the economic community to help.” and Elections Committee. A companion, forecast and the governor’s proposed budget The one-time money would be geared SF1184, sponsored by Sen. Dan Skogen go into establishing the target. toward “collaborative efforts that bring (DFL-Hewitt), was held over March 7 The state began tracking these numbers together nonprofit community-based groups by the Senate Environment and Natural in 1992-93, when it showed the price of with demonstrated experience in addressing Resources Committee for possible omnibus government at 17.1 cents on the dollar, later the public health, health care and social service bill inclusion. dropping to a low of 15 cents in 2002-03. It is needs of African-born communities.” Under the provisions of the bill, numerous 16.4 cents for the current biennium. For the — M. Simpson modifications would be made to the state’s 2008-09 biennium, residents could be spending hunting and fishing laws, including: approximately 16 cents for state services. Medical marijuana • increasing the pheasant hunting bag limit to The resolution states that 61 percent of Legislation that would legalize the medical three cock pheasants per day after the 16th the revenue collected will go to support use of marijuana received a green vote from a day of the pheasant season; state services, while local governments such House committee. • repealing a prohibition on using smokeless as cities, counties and school districts, can Sponsored by Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL- gunpowder during the state’s muzzle- expect about 39 percent. Duluth), HF655 would regulate who could loader hunting season; The resolution was passed 85-48 by the supply, consume and grow the drug. Approved • eliminating the reciprocal nonresident deer House March 12. After being sent to the March 9 by the House and Health and Human archery license fee; Senate, that body amended the resolution Services Committee March 9, the bill was sent • eliminating a ban on transporting raccoon, March 14 to raise the price of government to the House Public Safety and Civil Justice beaver and rabbit meat out of state; to 16.4 percent, raising the state’s share from Committee. • altering the state’s firearm safety require- 61 percent to 63 percent, and reducing the Federal law prohibits the use and sale of ments to make it easier for military per- amount for local service from 39 percent to marijuana, though in recent years 11 states sonnel and veterans to obtain a hunting 37 percent. have passed laws permitting its use for license; The House did not concur March 15 and a medicinal purposes. • allowing civil fines to be charged to fish conference committee was called for to work Proponents characterized the bill as house owners who leave their houses through the differences. “tightly-crafted.” They said it would allow on the ice after removal deadlines have The resolution also calls for less reliance on physicians and other health care providers to expired; and local taxes. prescribe the drug for “debilitating medical • allowing spouses of active military personnel — L. Schutz conditions” such as cancer, glaucoma, to purchase hunting and fishing licenses at intractable pain and HIV. It would grant the regular resident rates. Health & Human Services patients permission to grow the drug or to Before giving its approval, the division designate another person or nonprofit to amended the bill to incorporate a number produce it. It restricts the legal amount to African-born AIDS prevention of smaller game- and fish-related bills. Dill, 12 plants or 2.5 ounces per person. All users Africa’s AIDS epidemic is being reflected in division chairman, noted that many of the and producers would have to register with the Minnesota’s African-born communities. additions are sponsored by Republicans, and state annually to be exempt from criminal “This population is costly,” Rep. Neva that the bill has solid bipartisan support. penalties. Walker (DFL-Mpls) told the House Housing Division members voted not to incorporate “We present this with the goal of helping sick Policy and Finance and Public Health Finance a bill, HF1241, sponsored by Rep. Cy Thao and dying Minnesotans who are right now using Division March 14. “It’s costly to our economy, (DFL-St. Paul), that would have legalized the marijuana to alleviate their pain and risking it’s costly to our government, it’s costly to our use of crossbows during the regular firearm- arrest to do it,” said Neal Levine, director of hospitals, it’s costly to our children, (and) it’s hunting season. Minnesotans for Compassionate Care. costly to our communities.” — N. Busse Opponents contested its medicinal efficacy Her bill, HF1723, would appropriate and warned committee members of further

March 16, 2007 Session Weekly 11 But testifiers speaking on behalf ofHF29 8, committee does not favorably recommend any which would appropriate $8 million in of the choices, “the governor must submit a grants to the project, said MFPP has been different nominee for the same vacancy.” problematic for clinics across Minnesota. Cohen, Hung, Cynthia Lesher and Peter Bell Brian Russ, executive director of Annex Teen were the governor’s recommendations to the Clinic, told members of the House Health joint committee, which met Feb. 27, but only Care and Human Services Finance Division Cohen received a favorable recommendation March 8 that they are losing money because to the convention. reimbursement rates don’t satisfy the cost of House Majority Leader Tony Sertich (DFL- care and that they must now educate people Chisholm) and Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL- about the program at the expense of providing Virginia), chairman of the House Higher health care education. Education and Work Force Development “For many of us family planning providers, Policy and Finance Division, said nothing was the program is not financially sustainable, done incorrectly. Their party holds a 129-57 and it is difficult for me to see how we will margin between the two bodies. accomplish the goal of decreasing unintended “The university charter says the members pregnancies when the capacity of family of the Board of Regents shall be elected by planning providers is diminished,” Russ said. the Legislature,” Sertich said. “It’s also in the The committee approved the bill, sponsored constitution.” by Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth), Hung, a former student representative to the and sent it to the House Housing Policy and board, defeated Bell, a regent since 2002, for Finance and Public Health Finance Division. the seat representing the Fifth Congressional Only one provision — instructing the human District. Hung, who initially applied for the services commissioner to adjust medical student at-large seat, is currently a student assistance reimbursement rates — was in the at the university’s law school and has been committee’s purview. co-president of the university’s Business Law Discussion turned to abortion as Association since Sept. 2006. amendments were considered. Several members Cisneros, a student at the University of photo by andrew vonbank unsuccessfully tried to implement changes to Minnesota-Duluth who recently served on Dr. Jacob Mirman testifies before the House the bill that would have prohibited or limited the Citizens League Immigration and Higher Health and Human Services Committee March funding to family planning providers that offer Education Study Committee, defeated Andy 8 in support of a bill that would authorize the abortion literature or resources. Post, a sophomore at the Carlson School medicinal use of marijuana. A companion bill, SF184, sponsored by Sen. of Management, for the student at-large John Marty (DFL-Roseville), awaits action by position. spread of the drug. the Senate Finance Committee. Cohen, a licensed psychologist and licensed “I believe if this bill is passed, it will lead to impson marriage and family therapist and seven-year greater use by others who aren’t using it for — M. S member of the Wayzata School Board, and medical reasons,” Dakota County Attorney Johnson, a brigadier general in the Army Jim Backstrom said. Higher Education National Guard for almost 37 years and Several members were also concerned with Lutheran pastor in Willmar since 1973, were how one attains the seeds to grow the drug, Regent selection selected as at-large members. Lesher, president given that the state would not supply them, Appointments to an apolitical body were and CEO of Northern States Power Company, and the unstated process of disposing of plants almost caught up in the political process. was appointed to a board vacancy by Gov. Tim once legal rights to them have terminated. At a March 8 joint House and Senate Pawlenty last year. “While you try to move this bill and make convention, Maureen Cisneros, Linda Cohen, — M. Cook it as tight as possible, I still do think there are Venora Hung and former Senate Majority some significant holes in the bill,” said Rep. Leader Dean Johnson (DFL-Willmar) were Tuition caps Laura Brod (R-New Prague). appointed to six-year, unpaid terms on the A companion bill, SF345, sponsored by Sen. A tool could be put in place to help students University of Minnesota Board of Regents. control their college costs. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), awaits action Cohen was the only member of the quartet to by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sponsored by Rep. Rob Eastlund (R-Isanti), receive support from both sides of the aisle. HF783 would establish a guaranteed tuition — M. Simpson Republicans said they did not have a rate for some students at a Minnesota State problem with the quality of candidates, but Colleges and Universities institution. Preventing unintended pregnancies with the process. Because the state has no jurisdiction over The Minnesota Family Planning Program, “We tried to develop a process that would take the University of Minnesota, the institution implemented in 2006, was designed to help the partisanship, the politics, out of it and make would be requested to do the same. low-income women and men gain family this a real selection of people based on their Under the plan, tuition for an undergraduate planning services at affordable costs. qualifications and leadership and skills they student, over a five-year period, would equal Its purpose, according to the Department of could bring,” said Rep. Rob Eastlund (R-Isanti). the tuition rate of their first semester. However, Health, is to prevent unintended pregnancies, “It’s a process that I think we perverted.” the rate could be adjusted for an inflationary which they say account for half of all By law, the governor is to forward his increase measured by the Consumer Price pregnancies statewide. choices to a joint legislative committee. If the Index.

12 Session Weekly March 16, 2007 “This gives students and families the ability billion. The additional surcharge, he said, professional help, some landowners want the to have a better planning tool when they do could raise $80 million in fiscal year 2008. job done quickly and will pay for the process get into the college system,” Eastlund told Critics, who legislators say have launched a themselves. the House Higher Education and Work Force campaign blitz in opposition to the bill, said — P. Ostberg Development Policy and Finance Division the additional tax might, in fact, stifle the March 8. “This would take away the huge affordable housing effort. Immigration spikes that occur in the tuition process.” “This is a recessive tax,” said Susan Dioury, The division held the bill over for possible representing the Minnesota Association of omnibus bill inclusion. Realtors. “This is going to hurt the people we Immigrant tax credit Rep. Jeanne Poppe (DFL-Austin) expressed are trying to help.” Immigrants could receive a tax credit for concern about the additional stress it could She argued that low-income housing turns fees paid to become a citizen. put on business and registrar offices. over faster than other homes, thus forcing Sponsored by Rep. Steve Simon (DFL- “There are a number of colleges (in the more taxes on the poor. “Our position is that St. Louis Park), HF747 would provide a country) that do this that have not indicated you should stay within what the economy maximum credit of $300 and would be limited that it costs any more to manage it internally,” is generating. Fifty-three billion dollars is to taxpayers with household incomes of Eastlund said. enough.” $41,300 for a family of four in 2007. It was laid

Peter Zetterberg, a senior policy analyst in — M. Simpson over by the House Taxes Committee March 12 the university’s Office of Institutional Research, for possible inclusion in its omnibus bill. said the plan is commendable, but warned that Humanities Simon said the English as a Second state funding must also be maintained. “A plan Language course, citizenship class and the like this is only really feasible if institutions are fingerprinting and naturalization application able to count on a great deal of stability in their Dig carefully cost more than $600 combined. A taxpayer other revenue sources. … If you suddenly lose Those who would intentionally damage could claim the credit for each year the 15 percent of your state funding there’s really burial grounds could be guilty of a felony, expenses were incurred for the taxpayer, not a whole lot you can do about it unless you under a bill approved March 14 by the spouse and qualifying dependents. Two- load it all on freshmen, and that becomes rather House Governmental Operations, Reform, thirds of the state’s immigrants would qualify impractical.” Technology and Elections Committee. for the credit. The cost to the General Fund A companion bill, SF598, sponsored by Sen. Sponsored by Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL- in fiscal year 2008 would be $4 million. Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley), was held over Finlayson), HF1710 clarifies criminal According to the U.S. Citizenship and Feb. 27 by the Senate Higher Education Budget provisions for those that intentionally destroy, Immigration Services Office, more than 7,000 and Policy Division for possible omnibus bill mutilate or injure human burials or burial immigrants became naturalized U.S. citizens inclusion. grounds. The bill’s next stop is the House in Minnesota in 2005. This represents an

— M. Cook floor. There is no Senate companion. 8 percent average annual increase since There are about 12,500 known burial 1998. mounds and more than 6,000 known A companion bill, SF830, sponsored by Sen. Housing cemeteries in the state, Scott Anfinson, state Ann Lynch (DFL-Rochester), was laid over archaeologist, said. A good percentage are March 8 by the Senate Taxes Committee.

A tax on behalf of housing unrecorded in county recorder offices. The — S. Hegman Rep. Scott Kranz (DFL-Blaine) said he state archaeologist’s job is to authenticate decided to sponsor HF939, which would raise those unrecorded burials that are more than Law the state deed tax after fully appreciating its 50 years old. intention: to support affordable housing. “I literally get a call every day from realtors “Housing issues are a foundational structure or landowners asking what they can do on Drivers license reinstatement for our kids in terms of their education,” he their property because they may have Indian It may soon be easier to get a driver’s license said. It affects transportation and health care. mounds or a white cemetery,” he said. The reinstated. “Basically, we’d use the money in a house to bill helps to clarify for landowners and all HF693, sponsored by Rep. John Lesch create new houses.” involved how to proceed. (DFL-St. Paul), would allow payments for He presented the proposal March 13 to the Jim Jones, cultural resources director reinstatement to be made in two installments House Housing Policy and Finance and Public for the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, over two years. The bill was laid over by the Health Finance Division, which held it over said the last few years have led to accidental House Public Safety Finance Division March 13 for consideration in its omnibus bill. There is unearthing in burial sites. The bill’s clarifying for possible inclusion in an upcoming omnibus no Senate companion. language would help deal with these situations, bill. The proposed 50 percent tax increase would he said. With the current reinstatement fee of $250, apply to all house, commercial and property Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano) successfully and a surcharge of $430, the bill would require sales. Revenues would be directly routed to three removed language that said the costs of the first installment of 50 percent to be made state programs that offer housing services. identifying burial grounds are the landowner’s before the license could be reinstated, while “We’ve got to do something,” said Michael “at the discretion of the state archaeologist the second installment would be due the Dahl, executive director of the Minnesota and other appropriate authority contingent following year. Coalition for the Homeless. According to on the availability of funding.” During that first year, the driver would Dahl, $100 million in state funding has been Anfinson said he sometimes has a long list receive a temporary license to be renewed with cut from supportive housing coffers since of sites to authenticate at no charge. If those the second payment. 2003, when the state faced deficits of $4.2 sites take some digging, and he needs other This reinstatement process would apply to

March 16, 2007 Session Weekly 13 licenses that have been revoked because of thing I’m going to do,” she said the bill needs House Taxes Committee for possible inclusion failure or refusal to take a chemical test, a DWI more research, and much of its application in the omnibus tax bill. conviction, or a criminal vehicular homicide should be based on scientific findings. According to the Department of Military conviction. A chemist by trade, Wollschlager found Affairs, the annual pay for out-of-state training The driver must also be financially eligible there is not a lot of consensus among experts for Guard personnel is $2 million. Because for a public defender. about what type of testing should be used, and the bill would be retroactive, the estimated Patricia McCormack, director of the that testing could be inconclusive. She also cost for fiscal year 2008 would be $400,000 to Department of Public Safety’s Driver and questioned the committee being the body to include out-of-state training for tax years 2005, Vehicle Services Division, said that each set the percentage of personnel to be tested. 2006 and 2007. The cost in fiscal year 2009 year the number of people who do not renew “I would look to a panel of scientists to decide is projected to be $125,000, with a 5 percent their licenses in light of this issue could reach what that population should be,” she said. growth rate in subsequent years. 20,000. Approved by the division, the bill now A companion bill, SF454, sponsored by Sen. A Senate companion, SF680, sponsored by moves to the House Finance Committee. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), was laid over Sen. Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park), awaits A companion bill, SF1397, sponsored by Feb. 20 by the Senate Taxes Committee. action by the Senate Finance Committee. Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes (DFL-Winona), — S. Hegman

— C. Green awaits action by the Senate Agriculture and Veterans Committee. Veterans home concerns Military — L. Schutz About two years ago, the Department of Health found almost three dozen violations Tax exempt military pay during an unannounced inspection of the 418- Depleted uranium testing for soldiers National Guard members could be exempted bed Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis. Some active-duty soldiers may be unaware from state taxes on money earned for out-of- Two months ago, the governor ordered of the potential long-term health issues they state military service and training. state monitoring of the home after further could face from exposure to armor-piercing Sponsored by Rep. Sandy Wollschlager inspections revealed continued violations and munitions that contain depleted uranium. (DFL-Cannon Falls), HF551 would extend three suspect patient deaths allegedly due to This type of munitions, currently used a 2005 enactment that exempts military improper procedures and neglect. by the military, presents a health risk from reservists from income tax to National Guard Representatives of the Minnesota Veterans the toxicity when the depleted uranium personnel for out-of-state military service. The Board appeared before a joint meeting of the dust or fragments enter a body. The federal bill would retroactively pay National Guard House Health Care and Human Services government is conducting medical studies members for tax year 2005 and after. Out-of- Finance Division and the House Housing on veterans who have been exposed to DU state service would include: basic training at Policy and Finance and Public Health Finance to determine its effects, but the findings may out-of-state military facilities, special training Division March 9 to ask for $14.8 million in not be known for some time, according to the and annual training at out-of-state military the next biennium for six veterans homes. nonpartisan House Research Department. facilities and Mexican border patrol duty. But division members wanted to know why Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba (DFL-Long The bill was held over March 14 by the the problems are occurring, and whether the Prairie), sponsor of HF1065, told the House Veterans Affairs Division March 9 the bill would provide depleted uranium testing to any eligible Minnesota soldier or veteran who has served in active military service since 1990. It calls for a $3 million appropriation in the upcoming biennium. An amendment successfully offered by Rep. Dan Severson (R-Sauk Rapids) would require random testing of 10 percent of Minnesota service members who have served at least 30 days in Iraq or Afghanistan since 1990. Severson said the cost for each test is about $12,000, and about 500 tests are projected to be administered. The Vietnam veteran said that during that war soldiers were exposed to “some nasty stuff.” Soldiers go in knowing the risks, but that is with the assumption that the government is doing its best to protect you, he said. “When these guys and gals are coming back, they have the right to know that they have been in an area where they may have been exposed.” photo by tom olmscheid The bill is not without its opposition, Richard Carroll, right, of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War, John Austin, including Rep. Sandy Wollschlager (DFL- center, vice commander of the District 4 American Legion, and Xavier G. Gagnon, left, a member of the Marine Corps League, watch a joint hearing of the House Housing Policy and Finance and Public Cannon Falls). Health and the House Health Care and Human Services finance divisions address issues concerning Calling her no vote, “probably the hardest the Minneapolis Veterans Home.

14 Session Weekly March 16, 2007 appropriation is enough to make up for cuts land based on productive capacity of the land, bill, SF1305, sponsored by Sen. Dan Larson in years past. The divisions took no action. commodity prices and costs of agricultural (DFL-Bloomington), was tabled March 6 by “To me, if you serve your country, your inputs plus a return on investment. a subdivision of the Senate Transportation country ought to take care of you,” Rep. John A companion bill, SF1479, sponsored by Budget and Policy Division. Benson (DFL-Minnetonka) said. “How close Sen. Thomas Neuville (R-Northfield), awaits The bill calls for voters in the seven-county does this actually come to seriously dealing action by the Senate Taxes Committee. Twin Cities metropolitan area to approve the tax with this issue so that you can be competitive — S. Hegman increase in November 2008. Hortman hinted again?” at possibly later amending the bill to include “This brings us close,” said Charles Cox, Preserving history Chisago, Isanti, Sherburne and Wright counties interim executive director of the board. Minnesota could join neighboring states to the area. Also called for is the creation of But other testifiers, including nursing in strengthening historic preservation efforts a joint powers board within the district to staff from the Minneapolis facility, said the if a bill heard March 14 by the House Taxes allocate the revenue. The money could be used proposed budget doesn’t addresses everything Committee becomes law. for local and regional transportation projects, it should, specifically staffing levels. Sponsored by Rep. Paul Marquart as determined by the board. Grants would only “Today, I am here to tell you that we do not (DFL-Dilworth), HF1240 would allow a go to public entities. have adequate staff to meet the needs of our nonrefundable income tax credit of 25 percent “The creation of a joint powers board patients,” said Margaret Skoy, a nurse at the of the total cost of historic rehabilitation addresses a very critical issue we have in Minneapolis Veterans Home. She and others projects. All projects by individuals or transportation and transit funding.” she said there simply aren’t enough nurses, nursing corporations must be certified by Minnesota’s said. “Right now we have MnDOT and we assistants or LPNs to adequately handle the State Historic Preservation Office. have the Metropolitan Council, both of workload, and that management has mandated “It combines history with economic whom serve at the pleasure of the governor. overtime — “16-hour shifts two to three times development,” Marquart said. The recommendations for transportation a week” — to fill staff shortages. He added that historic projects “spruce planning and funding that we receive here The meeting adjourned before board up” many small town main streets. But, the at the Legislature are constrained by the members could respond to accusations made buildings need to be on the National Register administration’s overall funding ideas.” by testifiers. of Historic Places to be considered for the In Greater Minnesota, the bill would Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Mpls), chairwoman credit. Neighboring states already have a allow one or more counties, acting under a of the House Housing Policy and Finance and state credit, which Marquart said is hurting joint agreement, to impose the tax subject Public Health Finance Division, said they Minnesota’s economic competitiveness. to voter approval, and use the money for would reconvene later this session for further At the federal level, there is a 20 percent tax transportation purposes. discussion. credit for historic structure rehabilitation for Erin Sexton, director of transportation — M. Simpson property that produces income. This bill would policy for the Minnesota Chamber of be similar to that, but in addition to income Commerce, said the group does not support Taxes producing property, it would extend to qualified the bill. homestead property in historic districts. “Many people fail to realize the sales tax is The bill was laid over for possible inclusion a significant business tax, that businesses pay Exempting the ‘Back 40’ in the omnibus tax bill. 45 percent of sales tax in Minnesota, according How farmland is currently valued for school A companion bill, SF385, sponsored by to the Department of Revenue,” she said. levy purposes could change. Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller — M. Cook Sponsored by Rep. Steve Sviggum (R- (DFL-Mpls), was a laid over March 8 by the Kenyon), HF681 would establish a system Senate Taxes Committee. Alternative fuel credit for valuing agricultural land based on its — S. Hegman Driving a hybrid vehicle could also supply agricultural production value, beginning with a tax credit. taxes payable in 2010. Transportation Sponsored by Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL- During a March 13 joint meeting of the Mpls), HF1002 would provide a refundable House Property Tax Relief and Local Sales individual and corporate income tax credit Tax Division and the K-12 Finance Division, Taxing for transportation needs for the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles. Sviggum said the bill exempts the “Back 40 Newly created boards could be able to The bill was held over March 12 by the House and timberland” and buildings on that land spend hundreds of millions of dollars for Taxes Committee for possible omnibus bill from school-bonded capital debt levies. He transportation purposes. inclusion. added that the bill could mean more money “This state sorely needs investment, Hornstein said the bill would promote the for schools in rural Minnesota because voter- particularly in transit,” said Rep. Melissa use of homegrown fuel sources. It would also approved levies would be easier to pass. The Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park). “We’ve got promote the expansion of the hybrid vehicle bill was held over for possible inclusion in the dedicated funding for roads through the gas industry. property tax division’s report. tax, but we do not have a stable, dedicated Such a vehicle is considered a dedicated, Kyle Peterson, a farmer from Chippewa source for transit that’s comparable.” flexible or dual-fuel vehicle operated primarily County near Willmar, said without changes She sponsors HF1463, which would permit on alternative fuel. The credit would equal to the current law, land rents will make it hard counties to impose a 0.5 percent local $1,000 or 10 percent of the purchase price of for farmers to survive. transportation sales and excise tax. the vehicle, whichever is greater. Alternative The bill would also create a State Board The bill was held over March 8 by the fuels include: natural gas, liquefied petroleum of Agricultural Land Valuation that would House Transportation Finance Division for gas, hydrogen, coal-derived liquefied fuels, develop a system for valuing agricultural possible omnibus bill inclusion. A companion electricity, methanol, denatured ethanol and

March 16, 2007 Session Weekly 15 other alcohols, and other fuels as provided under omnibus bill inclusion. Minnesota. This bill calls for 5 percent. the National Energy Policy Act of 1992. It would also help seven rural Minnesota “I think rural Minnesotans, right now In fiscal year 2008, the cost to the General counties that do not have transit service, and are suffering under a MnDOT budget that Fund would be $43.6 million and by fiscal year it would allow for an increase in evening and can’t afford to keep up with their demands,” 2011, $62.4 million. weekend service in Greater Minnesota, she Madore said. “They have indicated they need A companion bill, SF523, sponsored by Sen. said. “In particular we’re looking to help the approximately $23 million a year in order to Michael Jungbauer (R-East Bethel), awaits disabled community be able to use the rural operate their plans. With the tax base we have action by the Senate Taxes Committee. Minnesota transit services to 14 hours a day.” here, I think it’s fair.”

– S. Hegman The bill calls for a 0.5 percent sales tax Dave Van Hattum, policy and advocacy increase in the seven-county Twin Cities program manager for Transit for Livable Sales tax for transit metropolitan area, and a redistribution of a Communities, said the bill would raise The sponsor of a bill to raise the sales tax in specific tax revenue. an average of $272 million annually. “For the state’s most populous area calls the plan “a State voters passed a constitutional an average individual in the metro, that comprehensive statewide transit funding bill.” amendment in November 2006 to dedicate equals out to $80 per person, per year, or the Rep. Shelley Madore (DFL-Apple Valley) all motor vehicle sales tax revenues to equivalent of about two tanks of gas.” told the House Transportation Finance transportation improvements. Upon A companion bill, SF1032, sponsored by Division March 8 that HF1112 would allow for completion of a five-year phase-in, up to Sen. Katie Sieben (DFL-Newport), was laid construction of the Metropolitan Council’s 60 percent of this revenue is to be directed to over March 6 by a subdivision of the Senate 2030 transportation plan, including eight new state highways and local roads, and at least Transportation Budget and Policy Division. transitways and a doubling of bus service, 40 percent to public transit statewide. Of the — M. Cook by 2020. The bill was held over for possible latter, only 2 percent is directed to Greater

Warm welcome NOTES Keep the stink out

Attending to House business can some- times mean first strolling through a blue haze created from people enjoying a cigarette just outside the State Office Building. The same odor could recently be smelled inside room 5 of the building. “I’ve been taking this opportunity whenever the smoke comes into this room to let people know that smoking right to the south of the State Office Building, and right to the north of the State Office Building invites members who meet in committee in this room to participate in your smoke break with you. I don’t enjoy being part of the staff and members smoke breaks,” Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) said during the March 14 meeting of the House Transportation and Transit Policy Sub- committee. “If you could observe now that the air intake system is bringing your smoke into photo by andrew vonbank our room, please refrain from smoking in those Miss Minnesota, Nicole Swanson of Lakeville, is introduced March 14 on the House floor. areas. We would appreciate it.” Rep. Dan Severson (R-Sauk Rapids), a co-sponsor of HF305, the smoking-ban bill, couldn’t wait to make a comment. Tracking ‘My Bills’ “I would say that there is no ventilation that actually gets rid of secondhand smoke.” Keeping track of House and Senate bills of specific interest during the biennium is — M.Cook available through the legislative Web site. MyBills: Provides personalized bill tracking and e-mail and RSS notification for current Minnesota legislation. Getting Started: Requires an easy one-time registration of a username and password. If you will be visiting the Capitol in the near future, call the Fully searchable: Keeps track of House and Senate bills by bill number, subject or Capitol Historic Site Program author. Users enjoy the benefit of viewing bill status with items of significant current at (651) 296-2881 action highlighted. to schedule a tour. Updated Daily: Bill status is updated daily, and users can modify their lists at anytime. Lists are retained throughout the legislative biennium. Where to begin: Go to www.house.leg.state.mn.us/leg/billsublogin.asp

16 Session Weekly March 16, 2007 AT ISSUE: Elections

allow them to do it anytime of day, and allow the county auditors to focus on their many Changes to election laws other election duties,” Fraser said. Technology could make online registration a reality An amendment successfully offered by Rep. Laura Brod (R-New Prague) removed sections from the bill that would have eliminated a requirement that county auditors By Patty Ostberg Approved March 13 by the House and city clerks publish sample ballots in the magine an Election Day where people Governmental Operations, Reform, newspaper. Her amendment also took away wouldn’t have to find time in their day to Technology and Elections Committee, the bill’s provision that would have allowed Idrive or take a bus to their polling place to the bill now goes to the House Finance for posting of sample ballots on newspaper, vote. Instead, they sit in front of their com- Committee. A companion bill, SF1298, county or city Web sites, providing there was puter to view the ballot and click their votes. sponsored by Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls), a notice to voters on where more information Online voting may be far into the future has been recommended to pass by a Senate could be accessed. due to issues with securing online systems, subcommittee, committee and division. It Several committee members, including said Beth Fraser, director of governmental now awaits action by the Senate Finance Rep. Mike Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park), affairs for the Office of the Secretary of Committee. voiced concern for those without Internet State. Additionally, state law requires votes access. “There are few people out there that to be cast on a paper ballot. However, many Online registration are still in that range. We all sometimes take secretaries of state are allowing election- Voters could also check online to see if it for granted that everybody knows how to related technological advancements like they are currently registered by providing get on the Net.” online voter registration to make the process their name, address and date of birth. If the Fraser said that was her first reaction to easier, she said. information doesn’t match the statewide voter the proposal, but she changed her mind after Sponsored by Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson), registration system, the individual would be learning that “what is printed is not very HF1110 would make a myriad of election informed to contact their county auditor or helpful for voters and sometimes causes more changes including allowing for online voter the secretary of state’s office. confusion.” registration if a person has a Minnesota driver’s “Counties get lots of calls from people just Not all counties have the ability to post license, identification card or learner’s permit. to be sure that they’re OK, and this would sample ballots on their Web sites, said Rachel Smith, Anoka County election supervisor. Additionally, in some areas there are multiple ballot styles for one precinct, if, for example, the precinct contains more than one legislative or school district. People don’t understand why there are multiple offices and they aren’t eligible to vote for each of them, she said. However, she said offices do send out sample ballots to those who phone with concerns before elections.

Other provisions An amendment by Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano) successfully removed a provision that would have required voter consent if a media representative were to photograph a polling place. The provision had been included in the bill to address safety concerns of those, such as battered women, who are trying to protect their location, said Fraser. Representing the Minnesota Disability Law Center, Mai Thor said there are voters

photo by andrew vonbank in situations who want to have their privacy While the Internet may not replace physically going to the polls on Election Day anytime soon, respected while out doing their civic duty. there are several changes being proposed to election law, one which would allow for online voter registration. Elections continued on page 23

March 16, 2007 Session Weekly 17 M ARCH 12 - 15, 2007 BILL INTRODUCTIONS House files 1891 - 2164

Monday, March 12 HF1902-Erhardt (R) HF1914-Dettmer (R) HF1926-Severson (R) Taxes Transportation Finance Division Finance HF1891-Haws (DFL) Seasonal recreational property tax Toll roads prohibited. Veterans affairs funding provided. Agriculture, Rural Economies & refund provided. Veterans Affairs HF1915-Faust (DFL) HF1927-Bunn (DFL) Veterans Homes Board member and HF1903-Sailer (DFL) Commerce & Labor Taxes executive director service qualifica- Finance Amusement rides regulation provi- Tax compliance auditors retention tions modified. Conservation officer position fund- sions modified. improvement funding provided and ing provided. merit pay required. HF1892-Atkins (DFL) HF1916-Brod (R) Commerce & Labor HF1904-Hilstrom (DFL) Local Government & HF1928-Thissen (DFL) Life insurance continuation cover- Finance Metropolitan Affairs Transportation Finance Division age regulated, mortality tables use Community dispute resolution pro- Construction permits clarified re- Airport safety zones compatible authorized in calculating reserves for grams report required and grants lating to ownership of a contiguous land uses minimum standards es- certain life policies and other life and requirements modified. nonconforming lot or parcel. tablished. auto insurance regulation provided. HF1905-Kahn (DFL) HF1917-Madore (DFL) HF1929-Mahoney (DFL) HF1893-Morgan (DFL) Commerce & Labor Health & Human Services Finance Finance Genetic information use regulated Mercury-free vaccines preference St. Paul College research and training Trunk Highway 13 and Dakota Coun- relating to insurance. established. facility funding provided. ty State-Aid Highway 5 interchange construction provided. HF1906-Tingelstad (R) HF1918-Wagenius (DFL) HF1930-Hansen (DFL) Finance Taxes Environment & Natural Resources HF1894-Dill (DFL) U. S. Highway 10 in Coon Rapids ad- County program aid withholding Local water management account- Local Government & ditional travel lanes provided. authorized if certain reporting re- ability and oversight improvement Metropolitan Affairs quirements are not met, and county provided. Cook County local sales tax extension HF1907-Clark (DFL) grants provided to improve individual authorized. Public Safety & Civil Justice sewage treatment systems. HF1931-Mariani (DFL) Hazardous substances state rules Finance HF1895-Gardner (DFL) and federal regulations compliance HF1919-Marquart (DFL) Minnesota campus compact and Public Safety & Civil Justice additional facilities specified. Local Government & postsecondary initiatives funding Court file copy costs included in Metropolitan Affairs provided. expenses paid on behalf of a person HF1908-Clark (DFL) Plats of land contents, survey and proceeding in forma pauperis. Finance approval provided. HF1932-Jaros (DFL) Lead cleanup funding provided from Taxes HF1896-Winkler (DFL) the petroleum tank fund. HF1920-Hornstein (DFL) Income tax rates modified. Public Safety & Civil Justice Finance Legislative Commission on Ter- HF1909-Tingelstad (R) Local transportation sales taxes au- HF1933-Marquart (DFL) ror and Disaster Preparedness Transportation Finance Division thorized through joint powers boards, Taxes established. Speed limits legislative study and and grants for transportation and Local government aid distribution report required. transit projects required. formula modified. HF1897-Hilty (DFL) Energy Finance & Policy Division HF1910-McNamara (R) HF1921-Solberg (DFL) HF1934-Olin (DFL) Dry cask storage at Monticello; stay Finance Finance Finance on Public Utilities Commission deci- Trunk Highway 61 median barriers Vehicle height, gross vehicle weight Minnesota Public Radio grant pro- sions extended. construction funding provided. and axles weights regulated; recre- vided to assist with conversion to a ational vehicle combinations defined; digital broadcast signal. HF1898-Kahn (DFL) HF1911-Murphy, M. (DFL) permits authorized; and penalties Commerce & Labor Governmental Operations, Reform, imposed. HF1935-Ozment (R) State lottery authorized to lease space Technology & Elections Environment & Natural Resources and operate a casino in the main Correctional state employees retire- HF1922-Gunther (R) Wetland conservation provisions terminal of the Minneapolis-St. Paul ment plan; additional Corrections Commerce & Labor modified and rulemaking required. International Airport. Department employees included in Boxing oversight requirements plan coverage, and transfer of prior modified and fees increased. HF1936-Wardlow (R) HF1899-Kahn (DFL) service credit provided for certain Finance Governmental Operations, Reform, correctional employment. HF1923-Lenczewski (DFL) Veterans memorial grant program Technology & Elections Ways & Means funding provided. Local governments authorized to per- HF1912-Murphy, M. (DFL) Demographic change effect on state mit permanent resident non-citizens Governmental Operations, Reform, tax revenues study provided. HF1937-Solberg (DFL) to vote in local elections, and consti- Technology & Elections Taxes tutional amendment proposed. Correctional state employees retire- HF1924-Lenczewski (DFL) Cigarette and tobacco products ment plan; Human Services Depart- Taxes tax stamps distributor discount HF1900-Slocum (DFL) ment employees included in plan Metropolitan fiscal disparities pro- provided. Taxes coverage. gram study required. Property bordering public waters HF1938-Lanning (R) reduced class tax rate provided. HF1913-Wagenius (DFL) HF1925-Severson (R) Finance Environment & Natural Resources Finance Multi-county regional chemical HF1901-Faust (DFL) Natural resources terms defined relat- State colleges and universities in- dependency treatment facility and Finance ing to native prairie restoration. structional services costs state share correctional center in west central World War II veterans memorial dedi- modified. Minnesota pre-design funding cation activities funding provided. provided. 18 Session Weekly March 16, 2007 HF1939-Tschumper (DFL) HF1951-Knuth (DFL) HF1962-Ward (DFL) HF1973-Carlson (DFL) Agriculture, Rural Economies & Finance Finance Local Government & Veterans Affairs Energy-efficient design and construc- Cuyuna Country State Recreation Metropolitan Affairs Food license and milk requirements tion grants provided. Area trail development funding Minneapolis Public Library and Hen- modified, sale of bulk tanks require- provided. nepin County library system merger ment eliminated and Dairy Trade HF1952-Dill (DFL) enabled; and transfer of employees, Practices Act repealed. Finance HF1963-Thissen (DFL) property and assets to Hennepin Hotel fire inspections funding pro- Taxes County authorized. HF1940-Beard (R) vided and fees removed. Income tax credit provided for dona- Finance tions to qualified scholarship-grant- HF1974-Hortman (DFL) Airport funding advisory task force HF1953-Kahn (DFL) ing organizations. Finance and state airports fund established. Governmental Operations, Reform, Law school loan repayment assistance Technology & Elections HF1964-Westrom (R) provided. HF1941-Kahn (DFL) Teachers Retirement Association Finance Governmental Operations, Reform, membership election and service West Central Research and Outreach HF1975-Kranz (DFL) Technology & Elections credit purchase authorized. Center in Morris addition funding Public Safety & Civil Justice Minneapolis police relief association provided. Local Community Rail Security Act of surviving spouse benefits provisions HF1954-Kahn (DFL) 2007 adopted providing for protection clarified and corrected. Governmental Operations, Reform, HF1965-Hackbarth (R) of railroad property from terrorism, Technology & Elections Finance criminal activities and accidents; civil HF1942-Erickson (R) Minnesota State Colleges and Uni- Oliver H. Kelley Farm Historic Site penalties and remedies imposed. Taxes versities annuity provisions modi- improvements funding provided. Milaca water treatment facility con- fied and Roth account participation HF1976-Murphy, M. (DFL) struction materials sales tax exemp- authorized. HF1966-Morgan (DFL) Governmental Operations, Reform, tion provided. Finance Technology & Elections HF1955-Olin (DFL) Special transportation service and Volunteer firefighter relief association HF1943-Mariani (DFL) Agriculture, Rural Economies & small vehicle passenger service state supplemental aid provided and Finance Veterans Affairs definitions modified, and complaints eligibility qualifications clarified. Employment opportunities for per- Cattle; indemnity provided for regarding special transportation sons with disabilities grant provided destroyed cattle relating to bovine providers regulated. HF1977-Murphy, M. (DFL) to a nonprofit organization. tuberculosis, rules authorized for Governmental Operations, Reform, control of bovine tuberculosis, and HF1967-Tschumper (DFL) Technology & Elections HF1944-Anderson, B. (R) other animal health statues and rules Environment & Natural Resources Retirement plans obsolete references Finance repealed. Environmental assessment worksheet corrected. Clear Lake/Clearwater Sewer Treat- required for registration of certain ment Facility expansion funding HF1956-Paymar (DFL) pesticides. HF1978-Murphy, M. (DFL) provided. Public Safety & Civil Justice Governmental Operations, Reform, Orders for protection and no con- HF1968-Tschumper (DFL) Technology & Elections HF1945-Tschumper (DFL) tact orders standard form provided, Environment & Natural Resources Previous retirement legislation errors Local Government & photographs required with certain Environmental review project defini- corrected. Metropolitan Affairs orders, peace officer pre-service and tion provided. Counties authorized to own and in-service training required relating HF1979-Anzelc (DFL) operate electric power generation to domestic abuse protection and no HF1969-Laine (DFL) Finance facilities. contact orders. Commerce & Labor County probation officers reimburse- Homeowner’s insurance non-renewal ment funds provided. HF1946-Winkler (DFL) HF1957-Bigham (DFL) prohibited based upon a claim that Governmental Operations, Reform, Governmental Operations, Reform, the insurer denied or did not make a HF1980-Swails (DFL) Technology & Elections Technology & Elections payment on, and premium increases Finance Election contribution solicitation State employee combined chari- based on certain factors prohibited. Point of use water treatment evalua- prohibitions modified. ties campaign registration process tion provided. streamlined. HF1970-Otremba (DFL) HF1947-Marquart (DFL) Finance HF1981-Norton (DFL) Taxes HF1958-Atkins (DFL) Construction impact grant program Governmental Operations, Reform, Property tax petitions 60-day rule Commerce & Labor established. Technology & Elections modified. Off-sale liquor license fees deter- Maternal and Child Health Ad- mined by issuing authority. HF1971-Tingelstad (R) visory Task Force expiration date HF1948-Hilstrom (DFL) Public Safety & Civil Justice removed. Public Safety & Civil Justice HF1959-Tschumper (DFL) Department of Public Safety required Public defender representation Taxes to support development of a statewide HF1982-Emmer (R) provided for certain minors and School bond agricultural credit planning, mapping and schematic Health & Human Services other persons; and certain mandatory provided. system for all public schools for use by Minnesota Family Investment Pro- representation by public defender emergency response agencies. gram eligibility requirements ex- provisions removed. HF1960-Eastlund (R) panded to include drug tests. Taxes HF1972-Dittrich (DFL) HF1949-Atkins (DFL) Harris wastewater treatment facility Environment & Natural Resources HF1983-Walker (DFL) Commerce & Labor and water treatment plant construc- Pollution Control Agency’s public Health & Human Services Insurer conduct regulated relating to tion materials sales tax exemption education program expanded, Min- Child care responsibility modified to collision cases. provided. nesota Cleanup Day designated and exclude earnings of a child 18 years minimum criminal penalties estab- of age or older who is in a plan to HF1950-Ruud (DFL) HF1961-Madore (DFL) lished for littering. transition from foster care. Taxes Public Safety & Civil Justice Capital equipment sales tax exemp- Conviction term clarified relating to tion modified. drivers’ licenses.

March 16, 2007 Session Weekly 19 HF1984-Huntley (DFL) HF1996-Dittrich (DFL) HF2008-Clark (DFL) HF2020-Anderson, S. (R) Health & Human Services Finance E-12 Education E-12 Education Pharmacies authorized to accept Compensatory revenue pupil units American Indian tribal contributions School background check require- return of unused drugs and medical minimum amount increased. integrated into student learning and ments amended. devices from county jails and juvenile teacher preparation and licensing correctional facilities. HF1997-Tschumper (DFL) requirements, and committees on HF2021-Brynaert (DFL) Health & Human Services American Indian education programs E-12 Education HF1985-Liebling (DFL) Carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupt- established. Office of Educational Accountability Finance ing pesticides and nervous system tox- funding provided through the Uni- Health care access fund purpose in pesticides registration and review HF2009-Ward (DFL) versity of Minnesota, measurement clarified, MinnesotaCare provider of public health risks provided. E-12 Education experts convened to consider how tax contingent reduction provided General Educational Development school performance report card data and health care access fund transfers HF1998-Loeffler (DFL) diplomas awarded to World War II are most usefully displayed. eliminated. Health & Human Services veterans. Continuing care provisions, data HF2022-Erickson (R) HF1986-Tschumper (DFL) practices, long-term care provisions HF2010-Sailer (DFL) E-12 Education Health & Human Services and other human services provisions Finance Department of Education required Atrazine state standards levels re- modified. Elementary sparsity revenue mini- to report on how productively time quired to meet federal standards. mum qualifying mileage level lowered is used in public schools. HF1999-Slocum (DFL) from 19 to 17 miles to increase the HF1987-Huntley (DFL) Health & Human Services number of eligible schools. HF2023-Erickson (R) Health & Human Services Health and auto insurance reimburse- E-12 Education Minnesota Medical Information ment required for emergency care HF2011-Hornstein (DFL) Advisory task force to consider and Council established. provided by first responders. E-12 Education recommend a redesign of middle Expansion of the rites of passage pro- schools convened. HF1988-Abeler (R) HF2000-Tschumper (DFL) gram funding authorized as a way to Finance Health & Human Services narrow the racial achievement gap and HF2024-Davnie (DFL) Nursing facility private pay resident State direct contracting with provid- program evaluation required. E-12 Education rates modified. ers for health care delivery expanded, Private student transportation ser- and service delivery by prepaid health HF2012-Otremba (DFL) vices contracting procedures and HF1989-Dill (DFL) plans eliminated. E-12 Education standards developed; grant program Health & Human Services Non-public schools allowed to established. County-based purchasing health HF2001-Murphy, E. (DFL) participate in the limited English plan proposal approved for certain Health & Human Services proficiency program. HF2025-Greiling (DFL) counties. Prenatal drug exposure in babies born E-12 Education in Minnesota study required. HF2013-McFarlane (R) Families with adolescents educational HF1990-Ruud (DFL) E-12 Education support pilot program established. Health & Human Services HF2002-Eken (DFL) Reserve accounts eliminated in a Adverse health care events reporting Finance school district general fund. HF2026-Faust (DFL) provisions modified. Mahnomen County group resi- Health & Human Services dential housing supplemental rate HF2014-McFarlane (R) Social worker license issuance required HF1991-Loeffler (DFL) provided. E-12 Education under certain circumstances. Health & Human Services Superintendent duties modified to Human services technical changes HF2003-Huntley (DFL) eliminate basic standards test report- HF2027-Norton (DFL) provided; and child care, chemical Health & Human Services ing requirement. Health & Human Services and mental health, child welfare, Diagnostic Imaging Services Advi- Physical therapists licensing re- public assistance, continuing care and sory Committee and moratorium HF2015-McFarlane (R) quirements modified and penalties health care provisions modified. on preauthorizing programs estab- Finance imposed. lished. Special education statutory funding HF1992-Thissen (DFL) provisions modified. HF2028-Davnie (DFL) Health & Human Services HF2004-Atkins (DFL) E-12 Education Pediatric specialty hospital inpatient Finance HF2016-McFarlane (R) Early retirement incentive created for and outpatient reimbursement at Communities for a Lifetime Initiative E-12 Education school district employees for school actual cost required. funding provided. Statewide testing and reporting districts experiencing declining system modified; graduation test enrollment. HF1993-Thissen (DFL) HF2005-Ruud (DFL) requirements for certain students Health & Human Services Finance modified. HF2029-Dettmer (R) Human services program integrity Kinship navigator program estab- Finance improvements provided; and public lished for grandparents and relatives HF2017-McFarlane (R) Basic general education revenue assistance overpayments, public as- raising related children. Finance amounts uniform increase proposed. sistance declarations, workers’ com- Extended time revenue modified. pensation data and commissioner’s HF2006-Morrow (DFL) HF2030-Dettmer (R) subpoena authority modified. E-12 Education HF2018-McFarlane (R) Finance School purchase of locally pro- Finance Uniform increase in the basic gen- HF1994-Tingelstad (R) duced food pilot grant program Educational Planning and Assess- eral education revenue amounts Health & Human Services established. ment program funding provided. proposed. Post-adoption search services registry created. HF2007-Pelowski (DFL) HF2019-Erickson (R) HF2031-Buesgens (R) E-12 Education E-12 Education Finance HF1995-Sailer (DFL) No Child Left Behind Act implemen- First and second grade students with Eligibility for extended time revenue Finance tation nullified. disabilities required to take reading clarified. Independent School District No. 38, diagnostic assessment. Red Lake, declining pupil unit aid provided.

20 Session Weekly March 16, 2007 Tuesday, March 13 HF2045-Atkins (DFL) HF2058-Lenczewski (DFL) HF2070-Simon (DFL) Commerce & Labor Taxes Taxes HF2032-Dittrich (DFL) Petroleum products specifica- Foreign operating corporations re- Dependent care income tax credit for Finance tions updated and term definitions pealed, foreign royalties subtraction licensed family day care providers Technology and library media aid for modified. eliminated, election authorized to equalized. school districts established. include foreign entities in combined HF2046-Nelson (DFL) report and foreign dividend deduc- HF2071-Simon (DFL) HF2033-Slawik (DFL) Commerce & Labor tion modified. Taxes Finance Firefighters defined as essential Federal nutrition program reim- Hennepin and Ramsey counties employees. HF2059-Dill (DFL) bursements federal taxable income licensed family child care providers Local Government & subtraction provided. connections increased. HF2047-Mullery (DFL) Metropolitan Affairs Commerce & Labor Ely local sales and use tax HF2072-DeLaForest (R) HF2034-Mariani (DFL) Workers’ compensation coverage for authorized. Taxes E-12 Education mental injury caused by mental stress Charitable gambling taxes repealed. Charter school provisions modified. provided. HF2060-Brynaert (DFL) Taxes HF2073-Peterson, A. (DFL) HF2035-Abeler (R) HF2048-Kranz (DFL) Blue Earth County courts facility Environment & Natural Resources Health & Human Services Public Safety & Civil Justice construction materials sales tax ex- Emissions reporting and permitting Minnesota Board of Social Work School buses and Head Start buses emption provided. required relating to electric genera- Practice Act adopted. inspection provided by certified tion facilities. inspectors. HF2061-Atkins (DFL) HF2036-Abeler (R) Finance HF2074-Kahn (DFL) Health & Human Services HF2049-Nelson (DFL) Baseball fields with disabilities access Finance Social work licensing provisions Commerce & Labor funding provided. Relative homesteads registration modified. Mechanical Systems council and required, University of Minnesota mechanical trade licensing require- HF2062-Hamilton (R) area neighborhood alliance funding HF2037-Abeler (R) ments established. Agriculture, Rural Economies & provided. Health & Human Services Veterans Affairs Social worker temporary license pro- HF2050-Kahn (DFL) Grain Inspection, Weighing, Sam- HF2075-Cornish (R) vided under certain conditions. Finance pling, and Analysis Act repealed. Environment & Natural Resources Minnesota Humanities Commission Night vision goggles prohibited while HF2038-Otremba (DFL) funding provided. HF2063-Mullery (DFL) hunting. Health & Human Services Higher Education & Adult foster care and family adult HF2051-Beard (R) Work Force Development Policy & HF2076-Brod (R) day services license requirements Finance Finance Division Taxes modified. Biomass fuel supply depot located False or fraudulent academic docu- Alternative minimum tax repealed. in Scott or LeSueur counties grant ment or credential use or manufacture HF2039-Nornes (R) provided. prohibited. HF2077-Magnus (R) Health & Human Services Finance Medical practice orders for discipline HF2052-Atkins (DFL) HF2064-Kahn (DFL) NextGen Energy Board established modified. Taxes Governmental Operations, Reform, and renewable energy technology Seasonal recreational property tax Technology & Elections funding provided. HF2040-Madore (DFL) refund provided. Surplus real property disposition Health & Human Services process modified. HF2078-Murphy, M. (DFL) Health care provider disclosure of HF2053-Mahoney (DFL) Governmental Operations, Reform, financial interests required. Finance HF2065-Kahn (DFL) Technology & Elections Deaf students summer youth program Governmental Operations, Reform, Minnesota State Retirement System HF2041-Huntley (DFL) funding provided. Technology & Elections general plan membership authorized Finance State goods and services procurement for middle management association Duluth nursing facility payment HF2054-Gardner (DFL) provisions modified. employees. rates increased to the seven-county Health & Human Services metropolitan median rates. Waste management provisions HF2066-Kahn (DFL) HF2079-Murphy, M. (DFL) modified. Finance Governmental Operations, Reform, HF2042-Hosch (DFL) Building replacement fund Technology & Elections Health & Human Services HF2055-Doty (DFL) established. State employee early retirement in- Minnesota Family Investment Finance centive eligibility extended. Program advisory task force Special motor vehicle disabled veteran HF2067-Hornstein (DFL) established. license plates authorized. Finance Linden Hills Power and Light com- Wednesday, March 14 HF2043-Abeler (R) HF2056-Atkins (DFL) munity digester and neighborhood Commerce & Labor district heating and cooling demon- Health & Human Services HF2080-Slawik (DFL) Financial institutions charges, ex- stration project grant provided. Professional clinical counselors E-12 Education penses, electronic financial terminals licensing established, and mental Electronic Library for Minnesota and investments regulated. HF2068-Jaros (DFL) health professionals definitions access provided. modified. Finance HF2057-Madore (DFL) Minnesota Film and TV Board fund- HF2081-Anzelc (DFL) Governmental Operations, Reform, ing provided. HF2044-Kahn (DFL) Finance Technology & Elections Health & Human Services Retired school district employee Department of Administration desig- HF2069-Hausman (DFL) Human papilloma virus vaccine and health benefits authorization provi- nated as the lead agency relating to the Taxes cervical cancer study required. sion modified. Assistive Technology Act of 1998. Film production income tax credit provided.

March 16, 2007 Session Weekly 21 HF2082-Peterson, A. (DFL) HF2095-Eastlund (R) HF2107-Masin (DFL) HF2118-Norton (DFL) Public Safety & Civil Justice Agriculture, Rural Economies & Commerce & Labor Health & Human Services Alcohol abstinence restrictions pro- Veterans Affairs Telecommunications goals provided, Smoking prohibited near entrances visions modified relating to driver’s Peace officer reciprocity licensing and broadband policy director and to public places. licenses. exam eligibility criteria modified to advisory board established. include persons in active military HF2119-DeLaForest (R) HF2083-Rukavina (DFL) service. HF2108-Dettmer (R) Governmental Operations, Reform, Commerce & Labor Taxes Technology & Elections Prevailing wage law enforcement and HF2096-Eastlund (R) Payment in lieu of taxes; town that Campaign finance reporting require- remedies provided. Taxes incorporates into a city autho- ments specified, and carryforward Homestead of disabled veteran rized to continue to receive certain allowance for certain county com- HF2084-Thissen (DFL) property tax valuation exclusion payments. missioner and city council candidates Public Safety & Civil Justice provided. limited. Parking regulation petty misde- HF2109-Murphy, E. (DFL) meanor violation modified. HF2097-Gardner (DFL) Health & Human Services HF2120-Hornstein (DFL) Energy Finance & Policy Division Medical laboratory science pro- Environment & Natural Resources HF2085-Mariani (DFL) Cold weather rule provided for public fessionals licensure and board Minneapolis-St. Paul International E-12 Education utilities relating to disconnections established. Airport flight path air quality study Quantum opportunities program during winter. provided. funding provided. HF2110-Lieder (DFL) HF2098-Morrow (DFL) Finance HF2121-Laine (DFL) HF2086-Cornish (R) Governmental Operations, Reform, Greater Minnesota transit funding Taxes Finance Technology & Elections provided. Fridley tax increment financing dis- Marginal cost pupil units and equal- Gaylord; Lakeview Nursing Home trict authorized. ized debt service levy calculation pension benefits provided upon HF2111-Hosch (DFL) modified. privatization. Finance HF2122-Brod (R) Workforce U; Minnesota Family Taxes HF2087-Gottwalt (R) HF2099-Morrow (DFL) Investment Program pilot program Homeowners property tax refund E-12 Education Finance established. maximum removed and income Developmental screening program Minnesota Historical Society grant- phase-out implemented for the information required to include the in-aid program provided for county HF2112-Anzelc (DFL) special refund. right to refuse screening based on and local historical societies. Health & Human Services conscientiously held beliefs. Medical assistance payment rates HF2123-Murphy, E. (DFL) HF2100-Clark (DFL) increased for dental services provided Finance HF2088-Bly (DFL) Health & Human Services to children and reports required. Concordia University Hmong Studies E-12 Education Bisphenol-A and phthalates prohib- Center historical preservation grant Interdisciplinary teaching and learn- ited in products for young children. HF2113-Moe (DFL) provided. ing program model authorized, and Governmental Operations, Reform, teaching license provided. HF2101-Cornish (R) Technology & Elections HF2124-Murphy, M. (DFL) Finance State grants management provided. Governmental Operations, Reform, HF2089-Hackbarth (R) Faribault Soil and Water Conserva- Technology & Elections Finance tion District funding provided. HF2114-Clark (DFL) Correctional employee disability ben- Pupil unit count increased for certain Health & Human Services efit provisions and age limits modi- growing school districts. HF2102-Hansen (DFL) Birth defects registry system data fied, and terms defined. Local Government & classified as private, informed consent HF2090-Ward (DFL) Metropolitan Affairs required and public health nurse visit HF2125-Murphy, M. (DFL) Health & Human Services Lilydale food and beverage tax provided. Governmental Operations, Reform, Backflow prevention in recreational authorized. Technology & Elections camping areas requirements limited. HF2115-Olin (DFL) Retirement filing deadlines extended, HF2103-Simpson (R) Public Safety & Civil Justice written applications required and dis- HF2091-Huntley (DFL) Taxes A resolution memorializing Con- ability benefit provisions modified. Finance Water and wastewater treatment gress to enact legislation to extend Medical assistance funds transfer facilities construction materials sales federal entitlement eligibility to HF2126-Murphy, M. (DFL) provided. tax exemption provided. unadjudicated individuals held in Governmental Operations, Reform, local facilities. Technology & Elections HF2092-Simpson (R) HF2104-Dill (DFL) Public pension plan full funding Taxes Local Government & HF2116-Lieder (DFL) dates established. New York Mills wastewater treatment Metropolitan Affairs Finance facility construction materials sales Cook County local lodging and ad- Gross vehicle weights and axle HF2127-Clark (DFL) tax exemption provided. missions taxes authorized. weights of vehicles and combinations Finance regulated, allowable weight limits and Metropolitan Economic Develop- HF2093-Anderson, B. (R) HF2105-Abeler (R) permit fees and requirements modi- ment Association funding provided. Local Government & Health & Human Services fied, and permits for certain vehicles Metropolitan Affairs Professional clinical counselor li- and combinations authorized. HF2128-Murphy, M. (DFL) Clearwater local sales and use tax censure requirements provided, and Governmental Operations, Reform, authorized. professional clinical counselors added HF2117-Berns (R) Technology & Elections as a professional service. Finance Public Employees Retirement Asso- HF2094-Koenen (DFL) Administration Department funding ciation staff authorized to participate Finance HF2106-Gottwalt (R) provided for promotion of document in the post-retirement option. Renewable energy grants for schools Taxes imaging work to be done by persons and public buildings provided. College savings plan contributions with developmental disabilities. income tax subtraction provided.

22 Session Weekly March 16, 2007 HF2129-Wardlow (R) HF2141-Dominguez (DFL) HF2153-Smith (R) HF2159-Abeler (R) Taxes Public Safety & Civil Justice Public Safety & Civil Justice Health & Human Services Eagan tax increment financing dis- Eviction records expungement re- Fraudulent identification cards un- Care coordination for children trict authorized. quired after one year. lawful acts penalties provided. with high-cost medical conditions required through the U special kids HF2130-Peterson, A. (DFL) HF2142-Marquart (DFL) HF2154-Murphy, M. (DFL) program. Governmental Operations, Reform, Taxes Finance Technology & Elections Property tax class rates modified, Low referendum school district HF2160-Gunther (R) Public Employees Retirement Asso- rural woodlands classification pro- funding increased. Finance ciation general plan late application vided, seasonal recreational property Faribault County nursing facility rate for disability benefits authorized for tax deferral program established, HF2155-Hackbarth (R) increase provided. a former employee. market value exclusions provided and Finance monthly payments authorized. Elk River Economic Development HF2161-Cornish (R) HF2131-Urdahl (R) Authority; plasma gasification of Finance Taxes HF2143-Simon (DFL) waste into methanol for biodiesel Methamphetamine treatment pro- Meeker County electrical coopera- Health & Human Services production process study funding grams funding provided. tive sales tax exemption restriction Kinship support program provided provided. eliminated. for grandparents and relatives caring HF2162-Gunther (R) for related children. HF2156-Wagenius (DFL) Health & Human Services HF2132-Gottwalt (R) Taxes Adolescent residential treatment Taxes HF2144-Gardner (DFL) Incandescent light bulbs excise tax center study required. Income tax check-offs provided Environment & Natural Resources imposed. for education, health care and state Ombudsman for water pollution edu- HF2163-Hortman (DFL) parks. cation and assistance position created HF2157-Madore (DFL) Taxes in the Pollution Control Agency. Health & Human Services Sales tax base expanded and rate HF2133-Olin (DFL) Special transportation and access reduced, and low income tax credit Finance HF2145-Atkins (DFL) transportation services broker use provided. Pre-commitment detention of per- Governmental Operations, Reform, prohibited. sons costs state’s share funding Technology & Elections HF2164-Hausman (DFL) provided. Open meeting law requirements HF2158-Loeffler (DFL) Taxes expanded, terms defined, serial meet- Finance Group term life insurance contracts HF2134-Simon (DFL) ings violation specified and electronic International Adoption Project exempted from the premiums tax. Finance communications added to open meet- funding provided. Sexual abuse against a minor civil ac- ing requirements. tions limitation period clarified. HF2146-Wardlow (R) Health & Human Services Elections continued from page 17 Thursday, March 15 Nonpublic assistance IV-D services provisions modified. People with disabilities are considered HF2135-Loeffler (DFL) vulnerable adults, and there is always the HF2147-Bly (DFL) Governmental Operations, Reform, Finance possibility published information will be Technology & Elections Office of Enterprise Technology spread widely in blogs and through other Minnesota Sesquicentennial Com- funding provided for grants to coun- publications, she said. mission provisions modified. ties participating in the development Other provisions of the bill include: of the integrated financial system. HF2136-Gottwalt (R) • groups conducting voter registration drives Commerce & Labor would be prohibited from paying employees HF2148-Clark (DFL) Prevailing wage provisions E-12 Education on a per card basis or using a strict quota; modified. Minneapolis schools fragrance-free • election judges could not process absentee pilot project created. HF2137-Sailer (DFL) ballots until noon on Election Day; Commerce & Labor • the Office of the Secretary of State would HF2149-Lenczewski (DFL) Petroleum inspection fee use be required to send voter registration and Finance for weatherization assistance Hennepin County nursing facility election judge information to newly natu- authorized. property payment rate increased. ralized citizens; HF2138-Abeler (R) • the time frame for districts using mail bal- HF2150-Hilstrom (DFL) Finance loting would be changed from between Taxes Licensed professional counselors fees 20 and 14 days before an election to 30 and Low-income rental housing required modified, and licensed professional to participate in the crime free multi- 14 days; and clinical counselor fee established. housing program to receive a reduced • individuals, except election judges and property tax class rate. HF2139-Mahoney (DFL) those waiting to register to vote, would be Commerce & Labor prohibited from standing within 100 feet HF2151-Hilstrom (DFL) Electricians extra unemployment of a building in which a polling place is Finance benefits provided. Minnesota State High School League located. rules subjected to the Administrative HF2140-Madore (DFL) Procedure Act. Taxes To find out who represents you at the Capitol . . . Metropolitan transit taxing dis- HF2152-Bly (DFL) Call House Public Information trict redefined, and tax levy out- Finance Services at (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550 side existing transit taxing district Higher education facilities authority authorized. revenue bond authority increased.

March 16, 2007 Session Weekly 23 Minnesota House of Representatives

Public Information Services

175 State Office Building

100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155-1298

Speaker of the House: Margaret Anderson Kelliher

Majority Leader: Anthony “Tony” Sertich

Minority Leader: Marty Seifert

For More Information

Minnesota Index For general information, call House Public Information Services at (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550. Not working for a livin’ To have a copy of Session Weekly Unemployment rate in Minnesota in January 2007, as percent...... 5.4 mailed to you, subscribe online at: www. In United States, as percent...... 5.0 house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp or call: Average rate in Minnesota in 2006...... 4.0 (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550. In United States, as percent...... 4.6 If you enjoy Session Weekly, please consider Job vacancies in Minnesota during the fourth quarter of 2006...... 55,250 helping to defray production and mailing Decrease, as percent, from one year prior...... 9 costs with a biennial voluntary subscription Job vacancy rate in seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area, in December 2006...... 1.9 of $20 or more. Rate in Greater Minnesota...... 2.3 Percent of all job vacancies located in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area....64.3 Make your check payable to Minnesota House of Representatives, and mail it to: Year the Unemployment Insurance program was created to provide workers who House Public Information Services: are unemployed through no fault of their own a partial wage replacement to 175 State Office Building assist them in becoming reemployed...... 1936 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Estimated number of Minnesotans who received benefits in 2006...... 175,000 St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 Total amount received, in millions...... $680 Increase from 2005, in millions...... $25 Session Weekly online is available at: www.house.mn. Average weekly amount received by an applicant in 2006...... $357 Weeks that the average applicant collected benefits...... 15 Subscribe to Session Daily e-mail alerts at: Of those unemployed in 2006, approximate percent who were temporarily or www.house.mn/list/join.asp?listname=sess seasonally unemployed and returned to their employer...... 50 iondaily. Approximate number of individuals on “active status” in January 2007...... 100,000 To obtain a copy of a bill, call the Benefits payments that month, in millions, as approximate...... $100 Chief Clerk’s Office at (651) 296-2314. Approximate percent increase in payments as compared to October 2006...... 300 Percent of 2006 applicants who applied online...... 41 To find out about bill introductions or Percent in 2005...... 35 the status of a specific bill, call the House Index Office at (651) 296-6646. Millions of benefit payments made in 2006...... 1.3 Estimated unemployment trust fund balance at the end of 2006, in millions...... $700 The House of Representatives can be found on Fund balance recommended by the legislative auditor, in billions...... $1.4 the Web at: www.house.mn. Employers, as approximate, subject to the payroll tax in 2006 that is used to fund People who are deaf and hard of hearing the benefits program...... 125,000 may ask questions or leave messages by Millions they paid, as estimate...... $940 calling the Minnesota Relay service at 711 Increase over 2005, in millions...... $45 or (800) 627-3529 (TTY). Percent of employers who paid their unemployment insurance taxes online in 2006...... 73 Percent in 2005...... 27 Check your local listings to watch televi- Estimated millions of administrative savings by using debit cards and increased sion coverage of House committees, floor use of direct deposit versus issuing checks...... $1 sessions and select press conferences. — M.Cook Senate Information (651) 296-0504 or 1-888-234-1112 Sources: Department of Employment and Economic Development, including 2006 Report from the Unemployment Insurance Program. Senate Index (651) 296-5560